June 16

Li Cunshen (862–924) was a distinguished general of the Later Tang dynasty during China’s Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. He began his career under the prominent warlord Li Keyong and later served Li Cunxu, the founding emperor of Later Tang. Known for his tactical acumen and unwavering loyalty, he played a crucial role in key military campaigns. His leadership secured several important victories that strengthened Later Tang's control. Li Cunshen's reputation endured as a model of martial skill and faithfulness to his sovereign.

Philip of Artois (1358–1397), Count of Eu, was a French nobleman and military leader during the Hundred Years' War. He distinguished himself in campaigns along the northern frontiers and later took part in the crusade against Ottoman forces. Severely wounded at the Battle of Nicopolis in 1396, he succumbed to his injuries the following year. Philip was celebrated for his chivalric valor and steadfast loyalty to the crown. His death marked the end of a brief but noteworthy martial career.

Christian of Brunswick-Lüneburg-Wolfenbüttel (1599–1626) was a member of the House of Welf and a leading Protestant commander in the early stages of the Thirty Years' War. Known as ‘the mad Halberstadter’, he raised and led mercenary forces in support of the Protestant Union. His aggressive tactics earned him both admiration and criticism among contemporaries. He fought in key battles in Northern Germany and the Rhineland, striving to defend Protestant interests against the Catholic League. He struggled with financing and political alliances but remained a symbol of Protestant resistance. He died in June 1626 from wounds sustained during the Siege of Werl, leaving a mixed legacy as both a daring and controversial military figure.

John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough (1650–1722) was one of Britain’s greatest military commanders and a key architect of early 18th-century European balance of power. Rising through military and court ranks under King Charles II and later Queen Anne, he achieved legendary victories at battles such as Blenheim (1704), Ramillies (1706), Oudenarde (1708), and Malplaquet (1709). His strategic brilliance secured Allied dominance during the War of the Spanish Succession. Elevated to Duke of Marlborough in recognition of his service, he also served as Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire and held immense political influence in England. Married to Sarah Churchill, a close confidante of Queen Anne, he navigated both battlefield and court intrigue. His campaigns and statecraft left a lasting legacy on British military tradition. He died in 1722, honored as a national hero.

Born in 1905, Aris Velouchiotis became the chief commander of the Greek People's Liberation Army (ELAS) during Axis occupation. He organized guerrilla warfare campaigns across Greece, coordinating sabotage operations and intelligence efforts. Velouchiotis's leadership mobilized local populations against occupying forces and defined the Greek resistance. After the war, political conflicts led to his exile and mysterious death in 1945. He is remembered as a symbol of courage and resistance, with his tactics influencing modern guerrilla movements.

A veteran of World War II, Pál Maléter rose through the Hungarian military ranks to become a lieutenant general. In the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, he famously sided with the insurgents and was appointed Minister of Defence under Imre Nagy's government. Maléter negotiated with Soviet forces in a bid to secure Hungary's independence but was arrested after the uprising was crushed. He was tried in secret and executed in 1958, becoming a symbol of resistance against Soviet domination. His legacy endures as a national hero who fought for freedom and constitutional reform.

Harold Alexander, 1st Earl Alexander of Tunis, gained fame commanding Allied forces in North Africa and Italy during World War II. Promoted to field marshal in 1944, he later served as Chief of the Imperial General Staff. In 1946, he was appointed Governor General of Canada, where he represented the Crown during a period of post-war reconstruction. Alexander was known for his leadership, dignity, and efforts to strengthen Canadian national identity. He was elevated to the peerage as Earl Alexander of Tunis in recognition of his military achievements. After completing his term in 1952, he retired to Sussex and remained active in public affairs until his death in 1969.

Born in 1931, Ignatius Kutu Acheampong rose through the ranks of the Ghana Armed Forces to become a brigadier. In 1972, he led a coup that ousted the civilian government and took power as head of state under the National Redemption Council. He launched the 'Operation Feed Yourself' program to boost agricultural production and drive economic growth. His regime faced criticism for human rights abuses and corruption, leading to his overthrow in 1978. Acheampong's tenure remains a significant and complex period in Ghana's post-independence history.

Lindsay Hassett (1913–1993) was an Australian cricketer renowned for his elegant batting and tactical acumen as captain of the national team. He led Australia in 21 Test matches between 1949 and 1953, securing memorable victories at home and abroad. Before his sporting achievements, Hassett served as a soldier in the Australian Army during World War II, demonstrating leadership both on and off the field. After retiring from cricket, he remained involved as a commentator and mentor, influencing generations of players. Hassett's contributions to Australian sport have been honored with numerous accolades, including induction into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame.

Thanom Kittikachorn (1911–2004) was a Thai military leader and politician who held the rank of field marshal before becoming Prime Minister in 1958. He led Thailand through a period of economic development and anti-communist policies during the Cold War era. Thanom's rule saw increased infrastructure projects and alignment with Western powers, but it also faced criticism for authoritarian governance. In 1973, widespread protests forced his resignation and led to his exile. Decades later, his return from exile sparked further political unrest, highlighting his enduring influence. Thanom's complex legacy reflects both modernization efforts and the challenges of military-backed leadership in Thailand.

Mario Rigoni Stern was born in 1921 and served in the Italian army during World War II. He fought on the Eastern Front and survived the harsh conditions of the Soviet campaign. After the war, he wrote Il sergente nella neve, a memoir acclaimed for its honest portrayal of survival and humanity in conflict. Stern’s writing also celebrated the natural beauty of the Asiago plateau. He published novels and essays that blended personal recollection with broader reflections on memory and war. His works earned numerous literary awards and international recognition. Stern’s legacy endures through his powerful contributions to war literature.

Sławomir Petelicki was born in 1946 and had a distinguished career in the Polish Army. In 1990, he established GROM, Poland’s premier special forces unit, and served as its first commander. Under his leadership, GROM earned a reputation for excellence in counter-terrorism and NATO operations. Petelicki graduated from military academies and specialized in reconnaissance tactics. After retiring, he advised international security organizations on special operations. He received Poland’s highest honors, including the Order of Polonia Restituta. Petelicki died in 2012, leaving a lasting legacy in special forces doctrine worldwide.