July 13

Born around 835, Huang Chao began as a salt merchant before leading a peasant uprising in 874. His rebellion seized Luoyang and Chang'an by 881, forcing Emperor Xizong to flee. He declared himself emperor of the new state of Qi and sought to legitimize his rule. Despite initial successes, his forces were gradually expelled by Tang loyalists and regional warlords. Huang Chao was killed in 884, but his uprising accelerated the decline and fragmentation of the Tang dynasty.

Appointed by Emperor Otto II, Gunther served as margrave of Merseburg, defending the empire’s eastern frontier. He managed relations with Slavic tribes and organized defenses along the Elbe River. His administration helped stabilize the region and secure trade routes. Gunther oversaw the construction of fortifications and the settlement of German colonists. He died in 982, leaving Merseburg firmly under imperial control.

Bertrand du Guesclin (1320–1380) rose from Breton nobility to become Constable of France under King Charles V. Renowned for guerrilla tactics, he led French forces to victories against the English during the Hundred Years’ War. Du Guesclin’s leadership restored French morale and secured important regions such as Poitou and Normandy. His skillful use of ambushes and alliances marked a shift in medieval warfare. Celebrated as a valiant and humble commander, he died in 1380 and was later commemorated as one of France’s greatest military figures.

Sir John Wallop (1490–1551) was a trusted military commander and ambassador during the reigns of Henry VIII and Edward VI. He fought in wars in France and Scotland, earning a reputation for bravery and leadership. Wallop also undertook diplomatic missions to secure alliances and negotiate peace treaties for England. His service at court included involvement in negotiations over marriage alliances and trade. He died in 1551, leaving his mark on Tudor military and diplomatic history.

Robert Shirley was an English soldier and diplomat who traveled extensively in Persia during the early 17th century. Born in 1581, he accompanied his brother Anthony Shirley on missions to expand English influence at the Safavid court. Shirley mastered Persian customs and language and played a central role in negotiating trade agreements. He introduced European military techniques to the Persian army and helped modernize its forces. His diplomatic efforts laid groundwork for future Anglo-Persian relations. He died in 1628, remembered as a pioneering figure in cultural exchange between Europe and the Near East.

Edward Braddock was a British Army officer and engineer born in 1695 in Scotland. He gained fame for his work on military roads and fortifications in North America prior to the French and Indian War. Appointed commander-in-chief of British forces in America in 1755, Braddock led an expedition to capture Fort Duquesne. His forces suffered a devastating defeat at the Battle of Monongahela, where he was mortally wounded. The defeat exposed weaknesses in British military tactics and highlighted the effectiveness of colonial ranger troops. Braddock’s death marked a turning point in the war and influenced future reforms in British colonial defense. He is remembered for his ambition and the lessons learned from his failure.

John C. Pemberton was born in 1814 in Pennsylvania and graduated from West Point in 1837. He served in the Mexican-American War before resigning his U.S. Army commission to join the Confederacy in 1861. Appointed lieutenant general, Pemberton commanded the Vicksburg defenses and successfully held the city against Union forces for several months. His surrender at the end of the Siege of Vicksburg in July 1863 was a turning point in the Civil War, giving the Union control of the Mississippi River. Pemberton faced criticism for his decisions but defended his actions as necessary under the circumstances. After the war, he lived in relative obscurity until his death in 1881. He is remembered for his role in one of the Civil War's most important campaigns.

John C. Frémont earned fame as 'The Pathfinder' for his exploration of the American West. Born in Savannah, Georgia, he led multiple expeditions mapping the Oregon Trail and California. He served as a Union major general during the Civil War, guiding troop movements in Missouri. As a politician, Frémont became the first Republican presidential nominee in 1856. In his later years, he was appointed the 5th Territorial Governor of Arizona. His spirited leadership in both exploration and politics left a lasting impact on westward expansion.

Leslie Richard Groves Jr. (1896–1970) was a United States Army Corps of Engineers officer best known as the military head of the Manhattan Project during World War II. He was responsible for site selection, personnel recruitment, and resource allocation that enabled the rapid development of atomic weapons at Los Alamos and other facilities. Earlier, he oversaw the construction of the Pentagon, demonstrating his organizational skill. After the war, Groves managed nuclear weapons production and later served as deputy director of the Armed Forces Special Weapons Project. His leadership style was characterized by strict discipline and attention to detail, which proved vital in one of history’s most significant scientific undertakings.

Sheng Shicai (1895–1970) was a Chinese military commander and warlord who controlled Xinjiang province in northwest China from 1933 to 1944. Initially backed by the Soviet Union, he implemented radical reforms and orchestrated political purges to consolidate his power. Over time, he drifted toward the Kuomintang government in Nanjing, prompting Soviet withdrawal of support. His rule was marked by ethnic tensions, economic experimentation, and secret police repression. After a coup in 1944, Sheng fled China and lived in exile, first in Chongqing, then Taiwan, and finally settling in Beijing. His complex legacy reflects the turbulent politics of Republican-era China and regional autonomy movements.

Konstantinos Kollias was a senior officer in the Hellenic Army who rose to prominence following the coup d'état of April 21, 1967. Appointed Prime Minister by the ruling junta, he held office from April to August 1967 before being replaced. As head of government, he lent legal legitimacy to the military regime and oversaw its early consolidation of power. After his political tenure, Kollias remained a figure of controversy for his role in the dictatorship. His career reflects the turbulent intersection of military authority and politics in mid-20th century Greece.