September 07

Born in 179, Sima Yi rose to prominence as a general under the warlord Cao Cao and later served as regent for the Cao Wei state. He led successful campaigns against rival warlords and quelled rebellions, showcasing his tactical brilliance. In 249, he orchestrated a coup against the regent Cao Shuang, solidifying the Sima family's grip on power. His political acumen laid the foundations for the eventual establishment of the Western Jin dynasty by his descendants. Sima Yi's legacy endured as both a brilliant commander and a shrewd statesman whose actions reshaped Chinese history.

Claudius Silvanus served as a Roman military officer on the Rhine frontier, earning distinction for his leadership and bravery. In 355, amid political turmoil with Emperor Constantius II, he was proclaimed emperor by his troops in Colonia Agrippinensis (modern Cologne). His revolt was swiftly quashed when loyalist forces under Ursicinus defeated him, leading to his death in battle. Silvanus's short-lived bid for power highlighted the fractious nature of the late Roman Empire. Despite his brief rebellion, he is remembered for his command skills and the dramatic episode that underscored imperial instability.

Meng Zhixiang, born in 874, rose through the ranks of the Tang military before being appointed jiedushi of the Xichuan Circuit. In the wake of Later Tang's internal strife, he asserted de facto independence in Sichuan by allying with fellow warlords. In 934, he formally declared himself emperor of the Later Shu kingdom, establishing Chengdu as his capital. His leadership fostered regional stability and encouraged economic growth before his death later that year. Meng's actions contributed to the fracturing of central control during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms era.

Nikola Šubić Zrinski (1506–1566) was a Croatian ban and count renowned for his heroic stand at the Siege of Szigetvár during the Ottoman–Habsburg wars. He led a small garrison of defenders in 1566, resisting Sultan Suleiman’s vastly superior army for weeks. Zrinski’s leadership and sacrifice became emblematic of resistance against Ottoman expansion in Europe. His actions delayed the Ottoman advance and bolstered morale among Christian states. Remembered as a national hero in Croatia and Hungary, Zrinski’s legacy inspired later generations and is celebrated in poetry, music, and monuments throughout the region.

Arvid Wittenberg was born in 1606 and rose to the rank of field marshal under King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden. He played a major role in Sweden's military campaigns across Central Europe, including key battles of the Thirty Years' War. Captured by Saxon forces in 1645, Wittenberg spent over a decade in captivity before his death. His leadership and strategic acumen exemplified Sweden's military prowess during the 17th century. He died on September 7, 1657, in Saxon imprisonment.

Blas de Lezo, born in 1689, was a distinguished admiral in the Spanish Navy. Despite suffering multiple war injuries that earned him the nickname 'Half-man,' he continued to lead with valor. His most famous achievement was the defense of Cartagena de Indias in 1741 against a much larger British fleet during the War of Jenkins’ Ear. Lezo's strategic brilliance and steadfast leadership secured a decisive victory for Spain. He died on September 7, 1741, but remains a hero in Spanish naval history.

Born in 1765 in Entraunes, he rose through the military ranks during the French Revolutionary Wars. He distinguished himself in Italy, winning the Siege of Mantua and other key victories. Napoleon appointed him a Marshal of France in 1809 and Duke of Taranto. He led corps in the Peninsular War and at the Battle of Wagram. After Napoleon's fall, he navigated shifting political tides to retain influence. His career spanned major campaigns that shaped European history.

José Félix Estigarribia (1888–1940) was a career military officer who achieved fame as Commander-in-Chief of Paraguayan forces in the Chaco War against Bolivia (1932–1935). His tactical brilliance secured key victories at Boquerón and Campo Grande, cementing his status as a national hero. In 1939, Estigarribia was elected President of Paraguay, where he pursued military modernization and public works initiatives. His presidency was cut short by a tragic plane crash in 1940, but he remains revered as one of Paraguay’s greatest leaders.

Everett McKinley Dirksen was a prominent U.S. Congressman and Senator from Illinois who led Senate Republicans from 1959 until his death in 1969. A World War I Army lieutenant, he was known for his powerful oratory and pivotal role in passing the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Dirksen championed fiscal conservatism while supporting key bipartisan legislation and strengthening NATO ties during the Cold War. His speeches earned him a reputation as a commanding voice in American politics. He remained an influential figure in shaping mid-20th century U.S. policy.

Lev Vladimirsky was a Kazakhstani-born admiral in the Soviet Navy whose career spanned pre-World War II service through the early Cold War. He graduated from the Naval Academy and served in key operational commands during the war. After 1945, Vladimirsky oversaw fleet training programs and held strategic leadership roles in naval districts. His efforts contributed to modernizing Soviet naval capabilities and tactics. He retired with the rank of admiral, leaving a legacy of professional naval development and strategic planning.

General Earle E. Partridge (1900–1990) was a distinguished U.S. Air Force officer and command pilot whose career spanned over four decades. During World War II, he led bomber groups in critical European campaigns and later helped shape America's strategic air doctrine during the Cold War. Partridge commanded major units including the Second Air Force and Tactical Air Command, overseeing the transition to jet-powered aircraft. A decorated veteran, he was known for his organizational leadership and dedication to pilot training. After retiring, he continued to advise on national defense matters and was widely respected for his contributions to military aviation.

Born Gotthard Glas in 1923 in Weimar Germany, he and his family immigrated to British Mandate Palestine in 1936. He adopted the name Uziel Gal and joined the Jewish paramilitary organization Haganah. Gal studied at the British Small Arms School and designed an innovative submachine gun prototype. His design, the Uzi, was officially adopted by the Israel Defense Forces in 1951. The Uzi’s compact size and reliability made it a staple for military and law enforcement worldwide. Gal retired from the IDF with the rank of colonel and continued to consult on firearms development. He passed away in 2002, leaving behind a legacy as one of the 20th century’s most influential weapons designers.