September 18

Born in 1091 to Isaac Komnenos and Eirene Doukaina, nephew of Emperor Alexios I. He served as a general in the Byzantine army, defending the empire's eastern frontiers. Andronikos earned recognition for his campaigns against Seljuk Turkish forces in Anatolia. He played a role in internal court politics, balancing loyalty and ambition within the Komnenos family. His military leadership contributed to the temporary stabilization of Byzantine territories.

Born in 1606 in Hebei province, Zhang became a leader of peasant uprisings against the Ming government. He captured Sichuan in 1644 and declared himself emperor of the Xi dynasty. His rule was marked by strict agrarian policies and brutal suppression of opposition. Zhang's regime collapsed in 1647 when Qing forces invaded and he was killed in battle. He remains a controversial figure in Chinese history for both rebellion and harsh rule.

James O. Richardson was an American naval officer who rose to the rank of Admiral and served as Commander in Chief of the U.S. Fleet in the Pacific from 1939 to 1940. He famously warned that stationing battleships at Pearl Harbor increased the risk of conflict with Japan, a stance that led to his relief from command shortly before the attack on December 7, 1941. Richardson’s career spanned more than four decades, with service in multiple theaters including the Atlantic and Asiatic Fleets. He retired in 1940 and his views remain central to debates on U.S. naval strategy in the prelude to World War II. Born in 1878, he died in 1974.

Sir Leslie Morshead (1889–1959) was a distinguished Australian general best known for commanding the 9th Division during the Siege of Tobruk in World War II. His defensive tactics held back Rommel's Afrika Korps from April to December 1941, earning him international acclaim. After his military career, Morshead served as a company director and championed veterans' welfare initiatives. He contributed to educational institutions by serving on boards and promoting leadership and technical training. Knighted for his wartime service, he later received honors for his public and charitable work. Morshead's strategic brilliance and mentorship have secured his place as one of Australia's most celebrated military leaders.

William March (1893–1954) was an American author and decorated U.S. Marine who served in World War I. His debut novel, Company K, drew on his wartime experiences to deliver a powerful anti-war narrative. March's later works, including The Bad Seed, explored psychological depth and moral complexity in his characters. He employed modernist techniques and social themes to comment on human nature and society. His writing earned critical acclaim and multiple National Book Award nominations. March's influence on American literature can be seen in later war and psychological fiction. He is remembered as both a courageous soldier and an innovative novelist.

José de Rivera served as an officer in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II before embarking on a distinguished career in sculpture. He became known for his sleek, abstract forms that emphasized balance and motion. His public commissions include installations at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the United Nations Plaza. Rivera’s works often explored the interplay of light and shadow in metal. He received numerous awards, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, and taught at the Pratt Institute. His pioneering style influenced generations of American modernist artists.

Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, Bennett served in the U.S. Army National Guard, reaching the rank of colonel. He entered politics as a member of the Republican Party and was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1992. During his 18 years in the Senate, he focused on foreign policy, national security, and water resource management. Bennett was known for his moderate stances and willingness to work across party lines. After leaving office in 2011, he remained active in public policy and advocacy until his passing in 2016. He is remembered for his dedication to Utah and his contributions to legislative governance.

Colonel Charles L. Veach began his career as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force, earning the rank of colonel before joining NASA's astronaut corps in 1984. He flew as mission specialist on STS-39 (Discovery) and STS-52 (Columbia), conducting defense-related experiments and space technology tests. Veach was known for his dedication to aviation safety and his mentorship of junior astronauts. After retiring from NASA in 1995, he continued to contribute to aerospace education until his untimely death later that year. His contributions to human spaceflight are remembered for advancing scientific research and defense capabilities in orbit.