September 05

Born in Amiens in 1741, Pierre Choderlos de Laclos pursued a military career in the French artillery, rising to the rank of general and serving in various garrisons. While stationed in Italy, he wrote letters that would become the basis for his seminal work 'Les Liaisons dangereuses', published in 1782. The novel's scandalous portrayal of seduction and social intrigue shocked aristocratic society and influenced European literature. Laclos continued to serve the French Revolutionary armies and held diplomatic posts before his untimely death in 1803. His blending of psychological insight and epistolary form remains a milestone in the history of the novel.

Born in Buenos Aires and raised in Chile, Manuel Blanco Encalada joined the patriot navy in the War of Independence and became one of its first commanders. He distinguished himself in naval engagements against royalist forces, helping secure Chile's coastline. In 1826, he was appointed provisional President of the new republic, guiding the young nation through political transition before resigning. After his presidency, he continued to influence Chile's development as a senator and diplomat. His contributions to both the navy and statecraft make him a foundational figure in Chilean history.

Born around 1840 into the Oglala Lakota tribe, Crazy Horse became one of the most revered Native American leaders of the 19th century. He played a key role in the resistance against the westward expansion of the United States. His tactical acumen was instrumental at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876. Renowned for his bravery and commitment to his people's way of life, he never sold or ceded tribal lands. Despite his military prowess, he was known for humility and personal integrity. He died in 1877 under controversial circumstances following his surrender to U.S. forces.

Born in 1822 in New York, Stoneman graduated from West Point and embarked on a long military career. During the American Civil War, he rose to the rank of major general and commanded cavalry units in major campaigns. He played significant roles in the Eastern Theater, including operations in Virginia and Maryland. After the war, he continued service and eventually reached the rank of lieutenant general. In civilian life, Stoneman served as the 15th Governor of California from 1883 to 1887, advocating for fiscal reform. He passed away in 1894, leaving a legacy as both a soldier and a statesman.

Born in 1841 in New Brunswick, Canada, Sarah Emma Edmonds enlisted in the Union Army under the alias Franklin Thompson. She served bravely as a field nurse, tending to wounded soldiers on the front lines. Under her male persona, she also undertook dangerous reconnaissance and spy missions behind Confederate lines. Her intelligence work provided critical information to Union commanders. After the war, she published memoirs detailing her experiences and was eventually awarded a military pension. Edmonds is remembered for breaking gender barriers and demonstrating exceptional courage in service.

Arthur MacArthur Jr. was born in 1845 in West Point, New York, the son of an Army colonel. He joined the Union Army at age 16 and earned the Medal of Honor at the Battle of Missionary Ridge in 1863. After the war, he continued his career in the army, serving in posts across the United States and abroad. He held senior commands during the Spanish–American War and later became Military Governor of the Philippines. MacArthur achieved the rank of lieutenant general before retiring in 1909. He was also the father of General Douglas MacArthur, carrying on a family tradition of military service.

Born in 1849 in Memphis, Tennessee, Robert Means Thompson graduated from the United States Naval Academy and served as a naval officer in the late 19th century. After leaving the military, he built a successful career in the mining and metals industry, founding and leading several companies. His entrepreneurial success enabled substantial philanthropic donations to education and veteran organizations, including endowments at the United States Naval Academy. Thompson's career exemplified the integration of military discipline, industrial innovation, and civic responsibility. He passed away in 1930, remembered for his multifaceted contributions to American society.

Born in 1917 in Paris, France, François de Labouchère joined the French Air Force before the outbreak of World War II. After France's defeat in 1940, he enlisted with the Free French Forces and flew combat missions alongside the Royal Air Force. Renowned for his bravery and skill, de Labouchère achieved several aerial victories and earned military honors for his service. He participated in critical operations over Europe, supporting the Allied effort to liberate occupied territories. His promising career and life were cut short on 5 September 1942, when he was killed in action. De Labouchère is remembered as one of the early heroes of the Free French Air Force.

Born in 1910 in London, Douglas Bader joined the Royal Air Force in 1930 and quickly distinguished himself as a skilled pilot. In 1931, he lost both legs in a flying accident but returned to active duty in 1939 at the outbreak of World War II. As Wing Commander of 242 Squadron, Bader led daring missions during the Battle of Britain and was credited with 22 aerial victories. Shot down and captured in 1941, he spent the remainder of the war as a prisoner of war before returning to England. After the conflict, Bader became an advocate for disabled veterans and wrote memoirs that inspired films and books celebrating his indomitable spirit.

Roberto Viaux (1917-2005) was a Chilean Army general remembered for the 1969 Tacnazo soldiers’ revolt. Born in Talcahuano, he graduated from the Chilean Military Academy in 1937. In June 1969, Viaux led troops to seize the Tacna regiment, demanding political and military reforms. His actions challenged President Eduardo Frei Montalva’s government and reshaped civil–military relations. He later plotted against President Salvador Allende but was arrested before the 1973 coup. Viaux’s revolt highlighted the growing political power of the Chilean military.