July 19

Li Shigu, born in 778, was a prominent military commander during the reign of Emperor Xianzong of Tang. As the jiedushi of the Pinglu region, he played a key role in defending the empire’s northeastern borders against nomadic incursions. He inherited command from his father and maintained stability in his circuit through diplomatic and military strategies. Li's governance balanced martial prowess with administrative duties, ensuring supply lines and local governance thrived. He died in 806, leaving a legacy as an effective frontier governor of his era.

Damian Dalassenos, born circa 940, was a scion of the powerful Dalassenos family and a leading military commander under Emperor Basil II. Appointed as the doux of Antioch, he led campaigns against Arab forces in northern Syria and Cilicia. His strategic acumen and bold tactics secured Byzantine borders and foreshadowed the empire’s later expansion. Damian’s defeats of Muslim armies helped stabilize the region, though he ultimately fell in battle in 998. His service cemented the Dalassenos legacy within the Byzantine aristocracy and military elite.

Sir Archibald Douglas (died 1333) was a key commander during the Wars of Scottish Independence and earned the moniker 'Tyneman' or 'Loser' for enduring personal losses in battle. As Guardian of Scotland, he defended the realm following the death of Robert the Bruce. Douglas led Scottish forces at the Battle of Halidon Hill, where he was killed. His bravery and strategic efforts, despite high casualties, inspired future Scottish resistance. His family continued to play a central role in Scotland’s military and political spheres.

Agustín de Iturbide was born in 1783 into a prominent military family in New Spain. Initially serving the Spanish crown, he later joined the independence movement and authored the Plan of Iguala. In 1821, he led the Army of the Three Guarantees that secured Mexico's independence, and he was proclaimed Emperor Agustín I in 1822. His reign was short-lived; political opposition forced his abdication in 1823. Exiled and later lured back, he faced execution on 19 July 1824. Iturbide's complex legacy remains a subject of study in Mexican history.

Yekaterina Budanova was one of the Soviet Union’s first female fighter aces. Born in 1916 in Yekaterinoslav, she initially served as a front-line medic. She trained as a combat pilot and joined the 73rd Guards Fighter Regiment. Flying Yakovlev fighters, she achieved at least 11 confirmed aerial victories. She was awarded multiple honors for her bravery and skill in combat. Budanova was killed in action on July 19, 1943, leaving a lasting legacy as a pioneering aviator.

Aung San was the founding father of modern Burma and a key independence leader. Born in 1915, he studied law at the University of London before returning home. He organized the Burma Independence Army and led negotiations for autonomy. Aung San chaired the 1947 Panglong Conference, uniting diverse ethnic groups. He became Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense in the interim government. He was assassinated on July 19, 1947, but remains a revered national hero.

John Alan Coey left the United States to join the Rhodesian Security Forces during the mid-1970s conflict. He served as a field medic, providing critical care to soldiers on the front lines. Driven by a sense of adventure and commitment to his role, he took part in counterinsurgency operations against guerrilla fighters. Coey’s dedication earned him respect among his fellow combatants, even as his involvement drew controversy at home. He was killed in action in 1975, becoming one of the few American casualties of the Rhodesian Bush War. His story highlights the complex motivations of foreign volunteers in African conflicts.

Omar Suleiman was a senior Egyptian military officer and intelligence chief who played a key role in national security and diplomacy. He served as Director of the General Intelligence Directorate from 1993 to 2011 and was instrumental in foreign relations, particularly with the United States. In 2011, amidst political turmoil, he was appointed Egypt’s first vice president under President Hosni Mubarak. Suleiman was involved in crucial negotiations during the Egyptian Revolution and sought to stabilize the country. He also served briefly as foreign minister. His career spanned military service, intelligence leadership, and high office during one of Egypt’s most turbulent periods.