September 11

Kesta Styppiotes was a senior general in the Byzantine Empire during the reign of Emperor Basil I. He commanded troops in various campaigns against Arab forces along the eastern borders. Little is known about his early life or rise through the ranks. Historical records mention his role in maintaining the security of the Anatolian frontier. He is remembered for his leadership and dedication to the empire's military efforts.

Born in Nantes in 1806, Lamoricière graduated from the military academy at Saint-Cyr and embarked on a career with rapid promotion. He distinguished himself in Algeria during the conquest of the 1830s and earned acclaim for leadership in the Crimean War, including the Battle of Alma. During the 1848 Revolution in France, he was appointed commander of the Paris garrison and played a key role in restoring order. His administrative reforms as Minister of War modernized troop organization and logistics. Lamoricière also served in Rome in 1849, defending the Papal States against Garibaldi’s forces. He died in 1865, leaving behind a record of strategic acumen and military reform.

Born in 1894 in Paris, Guynemer was drawn to aviation at an early age and earned his pilot's license in 1916. He quickly distinguished himself in combat, achieving 53 confirmed victories against enemy aircraft. Flying the iconic SPAD fighters, he became a symbol of courage for the French public. Guynemer was awarded the Médaille militaire and the Légion d'honneur for his exceptional skill and bravery. His final mission in 1917 ended in tragedy when he disappeared over German-held territory at only 22 years old. Guynemer's legacy endures as one of France's most revered aviation heroes.

Franciszek Żwirko was born in 1895 in Cieszyn, then part of Austria-Hungary. He served in the Polish Legions during World War I and later fought in the Polish-Soviet War. Żwirko joined the Polish Air Force and developed a passion for sport aviation. Partnering with engineer Stanisław Wigura, he achieved international fame by winning the 1932 Challenge International de Tourisme. This victory highlighted the skill and innovation of Polish aircraft design. Tragically, Żwirko died in an air crash near Cieszyn later that year. He is remembered as a pioneer of Polish aviation and a national hero.

Jan Christian Smuts was born in 1870 in the Cape Colony. He studied law at Cambridge University and fought in the Second Boer War on the side of the Boers before aligning with British forces. Smuts helped form the Union of South Africa in 1910 and served as Prime Minister from 1919 to 1924 and again from 1939 to 1948. As a Field Marshal in both World Wars, he played key roles in Allied strategy and international diplomacy. Smuts was a principal architect of the League of Nations and contributed to drafting the United Nations Charter. His career blended military prowess with political vision, shaping both South African and global affairs. He died in 1950, leaving a lasting impact on the 20th century.

William Avery 'Billy' Bishop was born in 1894 in Owen Sound, Ontario. He enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps in 1915 and quickly distinguished himself as a fighter pilot. Bishop achieved 72 confirmed aerial victories, making him Canada's top ace of World War I. He was awarded the Victoria Cross and multiple other decorations for bravery. After the war, he served as the first Air Officer Commanding the Canadian Air Force. Bishop continued to promote aviation and national defense in Canada, including during World War II. He died in 1956, celebrated as a national hero and pioneering pilot.

Born in 1904 in Albert, France, René Cogny graduated from Saint-Cyr military academy and served in various colonial postings. As a general during the First Indochina War, he commanded French forces in Tonkin and played a critical role in the defense of the Red River Delta. During the pivotal Battle of Dien Bien Phu, Cogny's leadership and strategic decisions were both praised and criticized. After his repatriation, he held high-ranking staff positions and authored memoirs on his military experiences. He was awarded the Legion of Honor and other decorations for his service. Cogny died in a helicopter accident in 1968, marking the end of a distinguished military career.

Born in 1894 in Kalinovka, Russia, Nikita Khrushchev rose from a metalworker's family to become a prominent Bolshevik during the Russian Revolution. He held various political and military posts, including serving as a political commissar in World War II. As First Secretary of the Communist Party from 1953 to 1964 and Premier from 1958, Khrushchev initiated de-Stalinization, advocated for peaceful coexistence with the West, and presided over the Cuban Missile Crisis. His policies of agricultural and housing reforms aimed to improve living standards, though they met mixed results. Ousted in 1964, he spent his final years writing memoirs. Khrushchev died in 1971, leaving a complex legacy as a reformer and Cold War figure.

Henrietta Barnett was a pioneering officer in the British Women's Royal Air Force. She joined the WRAF in its early years and rose through the ranks, overseeing training programs and operational planning. During World War II, she championed the integration of women into key support and communications roles within the RAF. After the war, she continued to advocate for improved welfare and career advancement opportunities for female service members. Her efforts helped lay the groundwork for the modern role of women in the Royal Air Force.

Anjali Gupta was one of the first women inducted into the Indian Army Aviation Corps as a helicopter pilot. She flew transport and rescue missions, demonstrating courage and skill in challenging conditions. Gupta broke barriers for female officers in a male-dominated branch of the military. She was respected for her professionalism and dedication to duty. In 2011, she tragically lost her life in a training accident at the age of 36. Her service continues to inspire aspiring women aviators in India.