May 19

Born in Spain in 1535, García Hurtado de Mendoza was an experienced soldier who rose to prominence in the Spanish Empire. He was appointed Viceroy of Peru in 1590, where he implemented administrative reforms and reinforced royal authority. Hurtado de Mendoza led military campaigns in Chile, securing Spanish dominance over indigenous Mapuche territories. His tenure was marked by both harsh policies and effective governance, stabilizing the colonies under his control. He introduced new legal codes and improved defenses along the Pacific coast. After returning to Spain, he continued to serve the crown until his death in 1609.

William Byron was born in 1722 and inherited the title of 5th Baron Byron in 1748. He served as a lieutenant in the British Army during the mid-18th century. Byron took his seat in the House of Lords and participated in parliamentary debates. He was a member of a notable aristocratic family, preceding his famous descendant, the poet Lord Byron. Despite limited records of his political influence, he maintained the family's prominence in British society. Byron's life bridged the worlds of military service and hereditary peerage in Georgian England.

Born into a prominent Mongolian family in 1811, Sengge Rinchen rose to become a respected general under the Qing dynasty. He led successful campaigns against the Taiping rebels, demonstrating strategic acumen and personal bravery. During the Second Opium War, he commanded forces defending Chinese territories against British and French troops. His steadfast leadership earned him recognition throughout the empire. In 1865, he was killed in action while leading his troops, leaving a legacy as one of the Qing dynasty's most valiant military figures.

Marthinus Wessel Pretorius, born in 1819, was a central figure in the establishment of Boer independence in southern Africa. Following in his father’s footsteps, he excelled as a military leader during conflicts with indigenous groups. In 1857, Pretorius became the first President of the South African Republic (Transvaal), helping to define its constitution and administrative structures. He also served as President of the Orange Free State, striving to unite the Boer territories. Pretorius’s leadership during the Republic’s formative years shaped its political identity, and his hometown of Pretoria was named in his honor.

John Simpson Kirkpatrick was born in 1892 in South Shields, England, and later emigrated to Australia. In 1915, he enlisted with the Australian Army and was deployed to Gallipoli as a stretcher bearer. Famous for using a donkey named Duffy to carry wounded soldiers from the battlefield to safety, Simpson displayed remarkable courage under fire. Over 24 days, he made countless trips across dangerous terrain, saving many lives before he was fatally shot. His selfless actions earned him legendary status among ANZAC troops. He died on May 19, 1915, and remains a symbol of gallantry and compassion.

Gervais Raoul Victor Lufbery was born in 1885 in Chamalières, France, and later emigrated to the United States. At the outbreak of World War I, he joined the French air service and became a founding member of the American Lafayette Escadrille. Lufbery achieved 17 confirmed victories, earning him ace status and the admiration of his peers. Known for his skillful flying and leadership, he was promoted to command a French squadron. In May 1918, Lufbery was killed in action over France, becoming one of the war's most celebrated pilots. His legacy endures in both French and American aviation history.

Thomas Edward Lawrence was born in 1888 in Wales and studied archaeology in Oxford and the Middle East. During World War I, he served as a British Army officer and became a liaison to Arab forces fighting the Ottoman Empire. His leadership and strategic guidance during the Arab Revolt of 1916–18 were instrumental in disrupting Ottoman defenses. Lawrence documented his experiences in the classic memoir "Seven Pillars of Wisdom," blending historical account with personal reflection. After the war, he briefly enlisted under assumed names in the RAF and tank corps before retiring to private life. He died in a motorcycle accident on May 19, 1935, and remains a figure of legendary status.

Philipp Bouhler was born in 1889 in Münsingen, Germany, and served as an officer in World War I. He joined the Nazi Party in 1922 and rose to become a close associate of Adolf Hitler, eventually heading the Führer’s Chancellery. Bouhler was a key architect of the Aktion T4 program, which systematically murdered disabled and ill individuals under the guise of euthanasia. His bureaucratic efficiency facilitated one of the Nazis’ earliest mass killing operations. Captured by Allied forces in 1945, Bouhler died by suicide on May 19 of that year, leaving a record of war crimes and human rights atrocities.

Sōsuke Uno served as a second lieutenant in the Imperial Japanese Army before embarking on a political career. He held several ministerial posts, including Chief Cabinet Secretary, establishing a reputation as a consensus-driven leader. In June 1989, he became Japan's 75th Prime Minister, addressing economic challenges amid the bursting asset bubble. His tenure, though short-lived, marked by efforts to streamline government and reform party structures, was curtailed by a personal scandal. Uno's blend of military discipline and political acumen left a nuanced legacy in Japan's postwar leadership.

Alexey Maresyev was a celebrated Soviet fighter ace in World War II, credited with dozens of aerial victories. After being shot down and severely injured in 1942, he lost both legs but insisted on returning to combat. Re-equipped with prosthetic limbs, he resumed flying missions, inspiring his comrades with extraordinary courage. For his heroism, he was twice awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union, becoming a national symbol of resilience. Maresyev later shared his experiences in memoirs, ensuring his story remained a testament to human determination.

John Gorton began his public service as a Royal Australian Air Force lieutenant during World War II. Entering politics in 1949, he served in both houses of Parliament and held key portfolios including Defence and Education. In 1968, he became Australia's 19th Prime Minister following Harold Holt's disappearance. His tenure saw progressive reforms in social policy and efforts to grant statehood to the Northern Territory. Known for his forthright and egalitarian approach, Gorton's leadership shaped modern Australia.

Born in 1918 in New Zealand, he enlisted in the Royal New Zealand Air Force at the outbreak of World War II. Assigned to No. 75 (NZ) Squadron of RAF Bomber Command, he flew numerous bombing missions over occupied Europe. After his aircraft was shot down, he spent time as a prisoner of war in Germany. Liberated at the end of the war, he returned home and remained active in veteran affairs. He shared his experiences through interviews and public talks until his death in 2012.