August 10

Born with a congenital eye condition, John of Bohemia became King of Bohemia in 1310 and Count of Luxembourg in 1313. A crusader and knight of the Teutonic Order, he traveled widely, forging alliances across Europe. Despite losing his sight in his twenties, he took the field at the Battle of Crécy in 1346, where he was killed leading a cavalry charge. His last words, “Let it be said that the king dies on his feet,” became legendary. He married into European royalty, connecting Bohemia to France and other courts. His death inspired poets and chroniclers for generations to come.

Francesco II Gonzaga inherited the marquisate of Mantua at a young age and became one of Italy’s foremost condottieri. He served various Italian states and the Papacy, earning a reputation for strategic skill on the battlefield. Under his rule, Mantua flourished as a center of Renaissance culture; he established one of Italy’s finest courts and patronized artists like Mantegna. He married Isabella d’Este, whose own patronage further enriched Mantua’s artistic heritage. His alliances and military campaigns secured Mantua’s independence amid the Italian wars. He died in 1519, leaving a legacy as both warrior and Renaissance patron.

Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour, was a driving force behind the unification of Italy in the 19th century. Originally a nobleman and soldier, he became a skilled diplomat and politician. As Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Sardinia, he negotiated alliances that paved the way for national unity. Cavour played a key role at the Congress of Vienna and in negotiations with France. His economic reforms and modernization efforts strengthened the Italian state. He served as the first Prime Minister of Italy, shaping its political institutions. Cavour's vision and leadership earned him recognition as one of Italy's founding fathers.

John Clifford Pemberton began his military career graduating from West Point in 1837. He served in the Mexican-American War before joining the Confederate States Army in 1861. Pemberton is best known for commanding Confederate forces at the Siege of Vicksburg. His surrender at Vicksburg in 1863 was a turning point in the Civil War. Pemberton faced criticism for his decisions but remained loyal to his adopted South. After the war, he lived as a civilian until his death in 1881.

István Türr was a Hungarian military officer who served in various European conflicts. After his military career, he turned to engineering and civil works. Türr collaborated on the ambitious project to dig the Corinth Canal in Greece. His engineering skills and perseverance overcame significant technical and financial challenges. He also engaged in diplomatic efforts to fund and support the canal's construction. Türr's contributions bridged military leadership and civil engineering innovation.

Charlie Daly (1896–1923) was an Irish Republican Army volunteer who led the North Longford Brigade during the Irish War of Independence. After opposing the Anglo-Irish Treaty, he continued to fight in the Irish Civil War on the anti-Treaty side. Daly was captured by Free State forces and executed in March 1923, becoming one of the Civil War's notable martyrs. He is remembered for his commitment to Irish republicanism and his leadership under difficult circumstances. Daly's legacy endures in local commemorations and historical accounts of the struggle for Irish independence.

Su Yu was born in 1907 in Hunan province and joined the Chinese Communist Party in 1926. He rose through the ranks to become a senior commander in the Red Army and later the People’s Liberation Army. Su led the East China Field Army to victory in the Huaihai Campaign and played a decisive role in the defeat of the Nationalist forces. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, he held various political and military posts, including vice-chairmanships in national congresses. Known for his strategic brilliance and leadership, he helped shape the modern Chinese military. He retired in the 1970s and died in 1984.

Eugene P. Wilkinson was a pioneering officer in the United States Navy and the first commanding officer of USS Nautilus (SSN-571). Under his leadership, Nautilus became the world’s first operational nuclear-powered submarine when it was commissioned in 1954. Wilkinson led the historic under-ice voyage beneath the North Pole in 1958, demonstrating the strategic capabilities of nuclear propulsion. His career spanned World War II, Cold War operations, and technological innovation in submarine design. He rose to the rank of admiral and held key positions in naval research and development. Wilkinson’s contributions shaped modern submarine warfare and advanced naval nuclear propulsion. He is remembered as a visionary leader in naval history.

George Cooper served as a senior officer in the British Army, holding various command and staff positions throughout his career. He contributed to post-war modernization efforts and fostered international cooperation within NATO. Known for his leadership and strategic insight, he earned several military honors. After retiring, Cooper remained active in veteran advocacy and defense consultancy, sharing his expertise with new generations of officers. He passed away in 2020, remembered for his dedicated service and professional integrity.