September 23

Theodor Körner was a German poet and soldier celebrated for his stirring poetry during the Wars of Liberation. Born in 1791, he studied law before joining the Lützow Free Corps in 1813 to fight against Napoleon. While on campaign, Körner wrote powerful poems such as _Schwertlied_ (Song of the Sword) that rallied German nationalists. He died in battle at age 21, becoming a romantic symbol of youthful sacrifice and patriotic fervor. His collected works were published posthumously and influenced 19th-century German literature, cementing his dual legacy as a writer and military figure.

Friedrich Paulus was born in 1890 in Saxony and served in the German Army during World War I. Rising through the ranks between the wars, he became commander of the Sixth Army in World War II. Under his leadership, German forces were encircled by Soviet troops at Stalingrad in 1942–43. Facing untenable conditions, Paulus surrendered in January 1943—the first German field marshal to do so. Held as a prisoner of war, he later cooperated with Soviet authorities and testified at the Nuremberg Trials. Paulus returned to East Germany after his release and lived there until his death in 1957.

William Frederick 'Bill' Stone joined the Royal Navy as a teenager and served aboard HMS Orion during World War I. He later served in World War II and the Korean War, spending over 40 years at sea. After retiring in 1948, Stone worked in civilian maritime roles before becoming a postal worker. He was awarded several medals for his long service and was celebrated as a living link to early 20th-century naval history. Stone passed away in 2009 at the age of 108.

Tareq Suheimat was a Jordanian physician turned military general and politician, recognized for his multidisciplinary career. He served in the Jordanian Armed Forces, attaining the rank of general and contributing to the nation's defense strategy. Suheimat also held government positions where he focused on healthcare policy and veterans' affairs. His leadership bridged medical expertise with military organization, helping modernize military medical services. Throughout his life, he was respected for his dedication to public service and national development.

William C. McCool was a United States Navy commander and NASA astronaut. He flew as pilot on the Space Shuttle Columbia's STS-107 research mission in 2003. A skilled naval aviator, McCool logged over 3000 flight hours in various aircraft. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and later earned a master's degree in applied physics. His dedication to exploration and science inspired many. Tragically, he lost his life when Columbia disintegrated during reentry on February 1, 2003. McCool is remembered for his leadership, passion for flight, and commitment to expanding human knowledge of space.