June 18

Little is known about Zhang Hao's early life, but he emerged as a leading military commander under the warlord Yang Xingmi. In the volatile politics following Yang Xingmi’s death, he conspired with fellow general Xu Wen in the assassination of Yang Wo in 908. Soon after, internal power struggles turned violent, and Zhang Hao was himself assassinated by Xu Wen, who went on to dominate the Wu regime. Zhang Hao's brief career reflects the era’s factional conflicts and shifting loyalties in southern China.

Piet Pieterszoon Hein (1577–1629) was a Dutch naval officer during the Eighty Years' War and the Dutch–Portuguese War. He rose to prominence as a privateer and admiral in the Dutch West India Company. In 1628, he achieved a spectacular victory by capturing the Spanish treasure fleet, securing vast riches for the Dutch Republic. This feat boosted morale and funding for the Dutch war efforts and made him a national hero. Hein's daring actions and leadership have made him one of the most celebrated figures in Dutch naval history. He died the following year during a naval engagement in the Caribbean.

James Murray was born in 1721 in Scotland and began his military career in the British Army during the Seven Years' War. He played a key role in the British conquest of Canada, accepting the surrender of Montreal in 1760. As the first civil Governor of the Province of Quebec, he sought to protect the rights of French Canadians and maintain religious freedoms. After resigning in 1768 amid controversy over his policies, he returned to Britain and published a History of the Late War in North America. Murray's balanced approach to colonial governance influenced later British policies. He died in 1794, leaving a legacy as a pioneer of tolerant colonial administration.

Thomas Picton was born in 1758 in Wales and began his military career fighting in the West Indies. He served as governor of Trinidad, where his harsh administration sparked controversy and a trial in Britain. Picton returned to active service during the Napoleonic Wars, commanding the 5th Division under Wellington. He played a crucial role at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, where he was mortally wounded. Known for his bold tactics and uncompromising leadership style, Picton became both celebrated and criticized in his lifetime. He died of his wounds on 18 June 1815, securing his place in military history.

Friedrich Wilhelm von Bismarck was born in 1783 into a Prussian noble family and entered the military during the Napoleonic Wars. He served in several staff positions, gaining a reputation for discipline and leadership. After retiring from active duty, he turned to writing, publishing essays on military tactics, agriculture, and social issues. His works influenced discussions on Prussian military reform and rural economy. Bismarck also participated in intellectual salons and corresponded with prominent thinkers of his time. He died in 1860, remembered as both a soldier and a reflective author.

Carmine Crocco was born in 1830 in Rionero in Vulture, Italy, and served briefly in the Bourbon army. After the unification of Italy, he became a key figure in southern brigandage, leading a band of former soldiers and peasants. Crocco's guerrilla tactics challenged the new Italian government and earned him both support and fear among local populations. At the height of his power, his forces numbered thousands, making him one of the most formidable insurgent leaders. Captured in 1863, he spent the rest of his life in prison. He died in 1905, emblematic of the social unrest that followed Italy's unification.

Born in Dresden in 1890, Max Immelmann trained as an engineer before joining the Imperial German Army in 1912. He became one of the first fighter pilots of World War I and achieved fifteen confirmed aerial victories. Immelmann is best remembered for developing the Immelmann turn, a maneuver still used in aerobatics today. He was awarded the Pour le Mérite, Germany's highest military honor, for his combat achievements. His career was cut short when he was killed in action on June 18, 1916, becoming a wartime hero and aviation legend.

Born in 1912, Elias Degiannis entered the Hellenic Navy and rose through the ranks as a skilled officer. During World War II and the Axis occupation of Greece, he organized and led resistance efforts against occupying forces. Degiannis became known for his leadership in naval sabotage operations and support of Allied forces. His actions inspired fellow Greeks during a critical period of national struggle. He was killed in action on June 18, 1943, and is remembered as a hero of the Greek resistance.

Simon Bolivar Buckner Jr. (1886–1945) was a U.S. Army lieutenant general known for his service in both World Wars. He graduated from West Point in 1908 and served as an aide-de-camp to the Army Chief of Staff. During World War II, Buckner commanded the Alaska Defense Command and later the Tenth Army in the Pacific. He played a crucial role in securing the Aleutian Islands and planning amphibious assaults in the Philippines. In 1945, he led American forces in the Battle of Okinawa but was killed by Japanese artillery fire, making him the highest-ranking U.S. officer to die from enemy fire in WWII. Buckner's strategic acumen and leadership left a significant mark on U.S. military operations in the Pacific theater.

Shigematsu Sakaibara (1898–1947) was a vice admiral in the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. Born in Saga Prefecture, he graduated from the Naval Academy and steadily rose through the ranks. Sakaibara commanded several warships and was appointed governor of the Bonin Islands late in the war. Under his authority, he ordered the execution of 30 U.S. civilians who had been stranded on Chichijima, a decision for which he was later tried for war crimes. In 1946, Sakaibara was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment but died of illness in Sugamo Prison in 1947. His wartime actions remain a controversial and tragic chapter in naval history.

Georgy Zhukov (1896–1974) was one of the most decorated military commanders in Soviet history. He commanded Soviet forces to decisive victories at the Battles of Moscow, Stalingrad, and Kursk, turning the tide against Nazi Germany. After the war, Zhukov served as Minister of Defence of the Soviet Union and briefly held the post of Deputy Prime Minister. Known for his strict discipline and strategic acumen, he was instrumental in modernizing the Red Army. Despite his popularity, he fell out of favor under Stalin and later Khrushchev, facing political marginalization. Zhukov’s memoirs and military theories remain influential among historians and military professionals. His legacy endures as a symbol of resilience and tactical brilliance during one of history’s most brutal conflicts.

Born in 1909 in Estonia, Endel Puusepp joined the Soviet Air Force and quickly distinguished himself as a skilled pilot. He led covert long-range bombing raids against Nazi targets, including an audacious 1942 mission over Berlin in a Pe-8 bomber. Puusepp was honored twice as a Hero of the Soviet Union for his bravery and technical expertise. After World War II, he transitioned to political roles, serving in Soviet governmental bodies and advocating for veterans. He documented his experiences in memoirs and helped shape Soviet air power before his death in 1996.