September 15

Jean-Baptiste Vaquette de Gribeauval (1715–1789) served as a French artillery officer and engineer. He introduced significant reforms to the French artillery system, standardizing calibers and improving mobility. His innovations, known as the Gribeauval system, enhanced the effectiveness of French field guns. These reforms played a crucial role in the success of French armies during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Gribeauval also contributed to fortification design and military engineering projects. His legacy influenced artillery practices across Europe for decades.

Cornelio Saavedra (1759–1829) commanded the prestigious Regiment of Patricians in Buenos Aires. He presided over the Primera Junta, the first independent government of Argentina, in 1810. Saavedra advocated for constitutional reforms and represented the interests of local elites. His leadership helped consolidate the early independence movement from Spanish rule. After political rivalries, he went into exile but later returned to public service. Saavedra’s contributions are celebrated in Argentine history as foundational to the nation’s independence.

Bogislav Friedrich Emanuel von Tauentzien (1760–1824) was a Prussian general known for his role in the Napoleonic Wars. He distinguished himself at battles such as Leipzig and the siege of Hamburg. Tauentzien commanded various infantry units and oversaw fortifications along the Prussian frontier. His leadership contributed to the restructuring of the Prussian army after defeats by Napoleon. He later served as governor of Glogau, where he improved local defenses and administration. Tauentzien’s career exemplifies the challenges faced by Prussian commanders during the era of French domination.

Porfirio Díaz began his military career fighting in the Reform War and the Second French Intervention in Mexico. He rose to national prominence after defeating French forces at the Battle of Puebla. Díaz first served as president in 1876 and then ruled Mexico nearly continuously until 1911. His era, known as the Porfiriato, was marked by economic modernization and infrastructure growth. While he stabilized the country and encouraged foreign investment, his regime became increasingly authoritarian. Growing social unrest and political repression led to the Mexican Revolution and Díaz's exile in 1911. He spent his final years in Paris, where he died in 1915, leaving a complex legacy.

Born in 1867, Vladimir May-Mayevsky rose through the ranks of the Imperial Russian Army to become a lieutenant general. During the Russian Civil War, he commanded the White Army's forces on the southern front, achieving notable successes against Bolshevik troops. He played a key role in the capture of Tsaritsyn but later faced strategic and logistical challenges. May-Mayevsky's leadership was marked by bold offensives and a reputation for personal bravery. After the White Army's defeat, he went into exile and died in 1920. His career reflects the tumultuous military and political shifts of early 20th-century Russia.

Johannes Steinhoff was born in Brussels in 1913 and joined the German Air Force in 1934. He became one of World War II's top night-fighter aces with over 120 aerial victories. After the war, he worked in civilian aviation and held executive roles in the airline industry. In 1957, he rejoined the newly formed Bundesluftwaffe and rose to the rank of Inspector General. Steinhoff championed NATO cooperation and the modernization of the West German Air Force. He retired in 1970 and devoted his later years to veteran affairs and writing memoirs. He passed away in 1994, remembered as a pioneer of modern military aviation.

Creighton Williams Abrams Jr. was born in Springfield, Missouri in 1914 and graduated from West Point in 1936. He commanded armored units during World War II and later led U.S. forces in Vietnam. Abrams served as Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army from 1972 until his death in 1974. He emphasized armored warfare tactics and Army modernization. The M1 Abrams main battle tank was named in his honor after his passing. His leadership and reforms profoundly shaped U.S. Army capabilities during the Cold War.

Born in Montgomery, West Virginia, Frederick C. Weyand graduated from Virginia Military Institute in 1938. He served with distinction during World War II in the European theater. In Vietnam, he commanded XXIV Corps and played a key role during the 1971 Easter Offensive. Weyand later became the Army Chief of Staff from 1974 to 1976, overseeing postwar reorganization efforts. After retiring from the military, he served as president of the Association of the United States Army. His leadership and strategic insights left a lasting impact on U.S. Army doctrine. He passed away in 2010.

Born in Christchurch, New Zealand, Phil Lamason joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force before transferring to the RAF Bomber Command. He flew numerous bombing missions over Europe and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. In 1944, his plane was shot down and he became a prisoner of war in Stalag Luft III. Lamason played a key role in maintaining morale among fellow POWs and advocated for their welfare. After the war, he helped oversee the liberation of camps and continued to serve in the RAF reserve. His bravery and dedication exemplified the spirit of the Allied air forces. He passed away in 2012.

Born in the small town of Castellania, Coppi rose to prominence after World War II. He won the Giro d'Italia five times (1940, 1947, 1949, 1952, 1953) and the Tour de France twice (1949, 1952). Nicknamed Il Campionissimo (the champion of champions), he was celebrated for his exceptional climbing and time-trial prowess. He briefly served in the Italian army during World War II before resuming his cycling career. His fierce rivalry with Gino Bartali captivated the world and helped popularize professional cycling. Coppi’s record-breaking performances and dramatic racing style cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

Mordechai Tzipori was an Israeli military officer and political leader who served with distinction in the Israel Defense Forces. He rose to the rank of brigadier general and commanded several critical units during the 1956 Suez Crisis and the Six-Day War. Entering politics, Tzipori became a Knesset member for the National Religious Party and held ministerial posts including Minister of Communications. He was known for his commitment to national security and pioneering efforts in military training. After retiring, he remained active in veterans' affairs and public service.

Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Anderson graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He served as a U-2 reconnaissance pilot during the height of the Cold War. On October 27, 1962, his aircraft was shot down over Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He became the sole combat casualty of the crisis and was posthumously awarded the first Air Force Officer's Purple Heart. Anderson's mission provided critical intelligence on Soviet missile installations. Several military installations and awards have been named in his honor, preserving his legacy.