June 09

Banda Singh Bahadur was born in 1670 and became a disciple of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. In 1708, he was commissioned to lead the Sikhs in rebellion against Mughal rule in Punjab. Banda Singh captured Sirhind in 1710, delivering a significant blow to Mughal authority in the region. He established the first Sikh-led administration, introduced land reforms, and minted coins in the name of Guru Nanak. His military campaigns expanded Sikh territory and inspired future generations of Sikh warriors. Captured and executed in 1716, Banda Singh is remembered as a martyr and national hero in Sikh history.

Ernest Graves Sr. was an American football player, coach, and United States Army general who bridged sports and military service in his career. He played football at West Point before serving as a coach for the academy's team. Graves had a distinguished military career, serving in World War I and rising to the rank of brigadier general. He held key command positions and contributed to military engineering projects. His leadership qualities were reflected both on the field and in service to his country. Graves's dual legacy endures in both collegiate athletics and military history.

Ferdinand Jodl was born in 1896 and pursued a military career in the German Army. During World War II, he commanded mountain troops (Gebirgsjäger), earning recognition for his leadership in several campaigns. Known for his organizational skills and tactical acumen, Jodl played key roles on the Eastern and Balkan fronts. He rose to the rank of General der Gebirgstruppe and was awarded high military honors. After the war, he was briefly held as a prisoner before his release. Jodl died on June 9, 1956, leaving a complex legacy tied to Germany's wartime history.

Erich von Manstein (1887–1973) was a German field marshal and one of the most respected military strategists of World War II. He initially served in World War I and rose through the ranks in the interwar Reichswehr. Manstein devised the plan for the rapid invasion of France in 1940, leading to the fall of France. As commander on the Eastern Front, he achieved significant tactical successes despite logistical challenges. He was awarded the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords for his leadership. After the war, Manstein was tried and convicted for war crimes before his release. He continued to write on military history, influencing postwar strategic thought.