September 01

Born in 1453, Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba served the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, earning the title 'El Gran Capitán'. He introduced flexible infantry formations and coordinated artillery use, winning decisive victories at Ceriñola and Garigliano. His innovations laid the foundation for modern European warfare. Later, he held high offices and continued to influence military strategy until his death in 1515.

Born in 1477 near Faenza, Fanfulla entered the life of a condottiero, serving various Italian states and foreign powers. He fought in key battles such as Fornovo, demonstrating courage and tactical skill. His career reflected the shifting alliances and fierce combat of Renaissance Italy. Known for his daring exploits, he remained a legendary figure until his death in 1525.

Born in 1799 into a Hungarian noble family, Gyulay entered the Austrian army at a young age. He quickly rose through the ranks as a skilled cavalry officer. During the 1848 revolutions, he commanded Austrian troops in Lombardy-Venetia, playing a key role in suppressing uprisings. He served as Viceroy of Lombardy-Venetia and later as Austria's Minister of War, initiating important military reforms. After the Austro-Sardinian War of 1859, he retired to Vienna, where he spent his remaining years advising on army strategy until his death in 1868.

Born in 1853 into a noble family, Brusilov graduated from the Imperial General Staff Academy. He distinguished himself in the Russo-Turkish and Russo-Japanese wars, earning rapid promotion. In 1916, as commander of the South-Western Front, he launched the Brusilov Offensive, achieving remarkable advances against Austro-Hungarian forces. His innovative tactics, emphasizing surprise and combined arms, influenced modern military doctrine. After opposing the Bolsheviks, he lived in exile and wrote memoirs until his death in 1926.

Born in 1864 in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. Graduated from the Imperial Japanese Army Academy and the Army Staff College. Rose through the ranks to become a general, commanding infantry brigades and overseeing training programs. He was instrumental in implementing organizational and logistical reforms in Japan’s modernizing army. After a distinguished military career spanning key periods of national transformation, he passed away in 1919.

J. F. C. Fuller served as a general in the British Army and became one of the foremost theorists of modern armored warfare. He championed the use of tanks during World War I and influenced interwar military doctrine. Fuller's writings, including the influential book "The Foundations of the Science of War," explored strategy and the application of technology in combat. He consulted for multiple nations and maintained a controversial reputation due to his later political affiliations. Fuller's work laid the groundwork for mechanized warfare tactics used in World War II and beyond.

Shigeyasu Suzuki rose through the ranks of the Imperial Japanese Army to become a lieutenant general. He held key command positions in China and Southeast Asia during the Second World War. Suzuki participated in major campaigns, including operations in Burma and Malaya. Known for his strategic planning, he also faced criticism for the harshness of occupation policies. After the war, Suzuki's military career became a subject of study in analyses of Japan’s wartime leadership.

General Yaşar Büyükanıt was born on September 1, 1940, in Istanbul, Turkey. He graduated from the Turkish Military Academy and rose through the ranks in the infantry. From 2006 to 2008, he served as the 26th Chief of the Turkish General Staff, overseeing defense policy and modernization. Büyükanıt commanded several brigades and corps and led NATO exercises during his career. He navigated complex civil–military relations and contributed to Turkey’s strategic posture. After retiring, he remained an influential voice on security affairs until his death in 2019.