September 01

Born in 1218 to the prestigious Fujiwara clan, Kujō Yoritsune was appointed shōgun at the age of seven. His reign (1226–1244) was characterized by the dominance of the Hōjō regents, who held real political power. Although his authority was largely ceremonial, Yoritsune presided over court rituals and official ceremonies. He encouraged cultural activities at the shogunal court and supported the arts, including Noh performances. After abdicating in favor of his son in 1244, he retired to serve as a Buddhist monk in Kyoto. Yoritsune died on September 1, 1256, leaving behind a legacy as the symbolic head of Japan’s first military government.

Foulques de Villaret joined the Knights Hospitaller in his youth and rose through the ranks to become Grand Master in 1305. He oversaw the conquest of Rhodes in 1310, establishing the island as the Order’s new headquarters. Under his leadership, the Hospitallers fortified strategic positions to defend Christian holdings against Mamluk incursions. He initiated the construction of massive fortifications at Lindos and other key sites on Rhodes. Controversy over his authoritarian rule led to his deposition by fellow knights in 1317. He spent his final years in exile and died on September 1, 1327, yet his architectural and military reforms endured.

Born in 1770 in Virginia, William Clark forged a lifelong friendship with Meriwether Lewis that led to their joint leadership of the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804–1806). Charged by President Thomas Jefferson, the duo mapped the newly acquired Louisiana Territory and established relations with numerous Native American tribes. After the expedition, Clark served as the Governor of the Missouri Territory and later as Superintendent of Indian Affairs. His detailed journals and maps provided invaluable information about the American West and paved the way for westward expansion. Clark's contributions as a soldier, diplomat, and public official made him a key figure in early United States history.

Born in 1799 into a noble family, Ferenc Gyulay embarked on a distinguished career in the Austrian Army. He fought in several conflicts of the early 19th century and rose to the rank of Field Marshal. During the Revolutions of 1848, Gyulay commanded Austrian forces in Italy, achieving notable victories but ultimately facing challenges against nationalist uprisings. He later served as the Imperial Minister of War, where he implemented organizational reforms and modernized the army's administration. His dual roles as a military commander and political leader reflected the complexities of the multi-ethnic Habsburg Empire. Gyulay's legacy is marked by his contributions to both military strategy and imperial governance.

Born in 1861 in Minnesota, Burnham rose to prominence as a master scout during the Apache Wars in the American Southwest. His talents led him to serve with British forces in southern Africa during the Second Boer War, where he conducted critical reconnaissance missions. Burnham's daring adventures also took him to Mexico and Central America, participating in revolutionary causes and treasure-hunting expeditions. A mentor to Robert Baden-Powell, he helped lay the foundation for the international Scouting movement by sharing his wilderness survival techniques. Known as the 'King of Scouts,' he authored memoirs recounting his extraordinary life on the frontier. Burnham died in 1947, remembered as one of the most influential figures in the history of scouting and adventure.

Born in 1886 into an affluent family, Sassoon served with the Royal Welch Fusiliers during the First World War, where he won the Military Cross for bravery. His combat experiences profoundly shaped his poetry, leading him to produce stark and poignant verses such as 'Counter-Attack' and 'Suicide in the Trenches.' Sassoon became a vocal critic of the war, publishing a declaration in 1917 that condemned the British government's conduct of the conflict. His protest led to a brief period of duty in a mental asylum, where he befriended fellow war poet Wilfred Owen. After the war, Sassoon continued to write memoirs and novels, including 'Memoirs of an Infantry Officer.' He also played a role in the literary circles of the interwar years. Sassoon died in 1967, leaving a lasting impact on war literature and modern poetry.

Born in 1909, Alan Brown pursued a career as a professional soldier in the British Army. Throughout his service, he held various positions that demonstrated his leadership and tactical skills. He participated in training exercises and real-world operations aimed at defending his country. Brown was recognized by his peers for his discipline and commitment to duty. After retiring from active service, he remained involved with veteran support groups, advocating for the well-being of former soldiers. He passed away in 1971, leaving a legacy of service and dedication to his nation's armed forces.

Kenneth Horatio Wallis was born in 1916 and served as a Wing Commander in the Royal Air Force during World War II. After the war, he became fascinated by autogyros and devoted his career to improving their design and performance. Wallis set more than 60 world records in autogyro flight, including endurance and altitude achievements. He also worked as an aeronautical engineer and contributed to aviation safety innovations. In addition to his record-breaking flights, Wallis consulted on films such as "You Only Live Twice," where his aircraft appeared on screen. He died in 2013, leaving behind a reputation as one of Britain’s most accomplished aviation pioneers.

Gurgen Dalibaltayan was born in 1926 and pursued a military career in the Soviet Army before joining Armenia’s armed forces. As Chief of General Staff, he masterminded key operations during the First Nagorno-Karabakh War in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Dalibaltayan’s leadership was instrumental in capturing strategic territories that shaped the region’s future. He was respected for his strategic acumen and ability to coordinate complex offensives under challenging conditions. After the conflict, he continued to advise and train Armenian military personnel. Dalibaltayan’s contributions to Armenia’s defense earned him national honors. He passed away in 2015, leaving a legacy as one of the nation’s foremost military figures.

Ben Kuroki was born in 1917 in Gothenburg, Nebraska, to Japanese immigrant parents. Despite facing prejudice and the internment of Japanese Americans, he volunteered for the U.S. Army Air Forces after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Kuroki completed 58 combat missions over Europe and later flew missions in the Pacific theater, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross. His service challenged wartime stereotypes and paved the way for greater acceptance of Japanese American soldiers. After the war, Kuroki advocated for civil rights and spoke about his experiences to promote racial equality. He passed away in 2015, remembered as a trailblazer who fought for his country despite adversity.

Yang Yongsong (1919–2022) was a major general in the People’s Liberation Army of China. He joined the Communist military efforts in the 1940s and served in pivotal campaigns during and after the Chinese Civil War. Promoted for his leadership and strategic insight, Yang held command positions overseeing infantry units and training programs. He played a part in modernizing PLA tactics in the early years of the People’s Republic. After active duty, he served as an instructor at military academies, mentoring new officers. Awarded multiple service honors, he remained involved in veterans’ affairs. Yang’s long service and dedication left a lasting impact on China’s military development.