August 07

Born in 1575 into the prestigious de Vere family, Robert de Vere inherited the earldom in his youth. He served as a soldier and courtier under King James I, participating in military and ceremonial duties. Despite limited records of his campaigns, he was known for his loyalty to the crown and leadership among his peers. De Vere maintained influence at the royal court and managed extensive family estates across England. He died on August 7, 1632, passing the earldom to his descendants and cementing his family’s noble legacy.

Born in 1802, Mariano Arista embarked on a military career in the Mexican Army and fought various domestic uprisings. He rose through the ranks to become a prominent general during the Mexican–American War. In 1851, he was elected as the 19th President of Mexico, where he pursued moderate reforms and sought to stabilize the country. His administration faced financial difficulties and regional revolts that challenged his policies. After leaving office in 1853, Arista went into exile in Europe before returning to Mexico. He died in 1855, leaving a legacy as a reform-minded military leader and head of state.

Born in 1823 in Anhui province, Li Xiucheng became one of the principal military leaders of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. As field marshal, he secured several key victories and earned the title 'Loyal King' for his unwavering loyalty to Hong Xiuquan. He played a crucial role in the defense of Nanjing and strategic campaigns across central China. Despite early successes, Li faced mounting pressure from Qing forces. In 1864, after the fall of Nanjing, he was captured, tried, and executed. His legacy endures as one of the most capable commanders of the Taiping movement.

Born in 1891 in Durban, South Africa, Dunning joined the Royal Naval Air Service in 1915. He quickly distinguished himself as a skilled pilot and commander. On August 2, 1917, Dunning became the first person to land a plane on a moving ship when he landed his Sopwith Pup on HMS Furious. This milestone demonstrated the feasibility of naval aviation and influenced aircraft carrier development. Tragically, just days later, he died during another landing attempt. Dunning's pioneering feat opened a new era in military aviation.

Ramon Vila Capdevila was born in Catalonia in 1908 and became active in the anarcho-syndicalist movement. After fighting for the Republican side in the Spanish Civil War, he refused to surrender when Franco declared victory in 1939. Vila Capdevila led bands of Maquis fighters in clandestine operations across the Catalan mountains, targeting Francoist officials and collaborators. His resourcefulness and local support made him one of the most enduring figures of the anti-Franco resistance. Despite offers of amnesty, he remained committed to his cause until his death in 1963. Vila Capdevila is remembered as a symbol of unwavering struggle against dictatorship in Spain.

Born in 1922 in Dallas, Oregon, Mark Hatfield served as a captain in the U.S. Army during World War II and earned the Bronze Star. After the war, he completed his doctorate and became president of Willamette University, demonstrating his commitment to education. Elected governor of Oregon at age 37, Hatfield championed infrastructure projects and expanded educational programs statewide. In 1967, he began a 30-year tenure in the U.S. Senate, known for his moderate stance and opposition to the Vietnam War. Hatfield co-sponsored the McGovern-Hatfield Amendment, an early congressional effort to end American involvement in Vietnam. He died in 2011, remembered for his principled leadership across military, academic, and political arenas.

Born in 1912 in New Zealand and raised in Australia, Nancy Wake worked as a journalist in Europe before the war. After escaping to Britain, she joined the Special Operations Executive and was trained for covert missions behind enemy lines. Parachuted into occupied France in 1944, Wake evaded capture despite a million-franc reward on her head. She led guerrilla operations, sabotaged German supply routes, and guided Allied airmen to safety, earning her the nickname "The White Mouse". After the war, she received numerous honors including the George Medal and the French Legion of Honour for her heroism. She passed away in 2011, celebrated as one of the greatest female operatives of World War II.

Manuel Contreras was a Chilean Army general and director of DINA, Augusto Pinochet’s secret police, from 1973 to 1977. He orchestrated domestic repression and international assassination operations as part of Operation Condor. After Chile’s return to democracy, he was arrested and convicted of kidnapping, torture, and murder of political opponents. He spent decades in prison, where trials documented his role in human rights atrocities. Contreras died behind bars in 2015, remembered as one of Latin America’s most notorious secret police chiefs.