general of the Tang Dynasty
general of the Tang Dynasty
Gao Pian was a Chinese general and governor during the late Tang Dynasty known for his campaigns against rebellions. He gained fame for defending eastern provinces from agrarian uprisings.
Born in 821, Gao Pian rose through the military ranks due to his tactical acumen. He commanded forces in the suppression of the Huang Chao rebellion and secured victory at Yangzhou in 879. Appointed military governor of Huainan Circuit, he maintained regional stability for several years. Despite early successes, his later rule was marked by political infighting and loss of imperial favor. Gao’s career reflects the challenges faced by Tang generals in maintaining order during a period of internal decay. His legacy endures in Chinese military history as a skilled yet controversial leader.
887
Gao Pian
2nd Earl of Hereford, English politician, Lord High Constable of England
2nd Earl of Hereford
English politician
Lord High Constable of England
13th-century English nobleman who served as the 2nd Earl of Hereford and Lord High Constable of England.
Humphrey de Bohun was born around 1208 into one of England's most powerful families. He inherited the earldoms of Hereford and Essex and held the hereditary office of Lord High Constable. As a confidant of King Henry III, he played a key role in military campaigns against the Welsh and the Barons' Wars. Bohun was known for his martial skill and his influence at the royal court. He managed vast estates and was a patron of religious foundations. He died in 1275, remembered for his leadership and feudal authority.
1275
Humphrey de Bohun, 2nd Earl of Hereford
Lord High Constable of England
Lithuanian prince
Lithuanian prince
Lithuanian nobleman and military leader who played a pivotal role in early 16th-century Eastern European conflicts.
Michael Glinski emerged as a prominent Lithuanian prince and courtier in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. He rose to power through marriage alliances and gained influence under Grand Duke Alexander Jagiellon. Glinski led military campaigns against the Crimean Khanate and later shifted his allegiance to Moscow during the Muscovite–Lithuanian Wars. His actions contributed to shifting alliances and regional turmoil in Eastern Europe. Following his rebellion against Lithuanian authorities, he sought refuge and service with Ivan the Terrible. He died in 1534, remembered for his bold military exploits and ambitious political maneuvering.
1534
Michael Glinski
Polish commander
Polish commander
One of the greatest military leaders of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, famed for his stunning victories in the early 17th century.
Jan Karol Chodkiewicz (1560–1621) served as Field Hetman of Lithuania and was renowned for his tactical genius. His most celebrated triumph came at the Battle of Kircholm in 1605, where his outnumbered forces defeated a much larger Swedish army. He played a key role in defending the Commonwealth during the Polish–Swedish wars and the Moldavian expedition. Chodkiewicz's leadership combined bold maneuvers with disciplined cavalry tactics, earning him a lasting reputation as a military innovator. He continued to influence Eastern European warfare until his death in 1621.
1621
Jan Karol Chodkiewicz
leader of the United Irishmen executed during the Irish Rebellion of 1798
leader of the United Irishmen executed during the Irish Rebellion of 1798
Irish rebel hero of the 1798 United Irishmen uprising, executed for his daring raids against British forces.
Born in County Galway, Bartholomew Teeling joined the United Irishmen to fight for Irish independence. He led bold assaults on British garrisons and participated in key engagements during the 1798 Rebellion. Teeling's courage made him a folk hero among Irish insurgents, but he was captured after the uprising's defeat. He was tried and executed in September 1798, becoming a martyr for the nationalist cause. His legacy endured in songs and stories that celebrated his bravery and unwavering commitment to Irish freedom.
1798
Bartholomew Teeling
United Irishmen
Irish Rebellion of 1798
American general and academic
American general and academic
Confederate general during the American Civil War and later a prominent agricultural educator.
Daniel Harvey Hill was born in South Carolina in 1821 and graduated from West Point in 1846. He earned a reputation for tactical skill serving under Stonewall Jackson and leading troops at battles like First Bull Run and Antietam. After the war, Hill turned to academia, teaching at institutions including Davidson College and North Carolina Agricultural and Mechanical College. He authored works on military strategy and agricultural science. Hill's dual legacy as soldier and scholar influenced both military studies and agricultural education in the postwar South.
1889
D. H. Hill
Irish-American soldier and composer
Irish-American soldier and composer
Influential Irish-American bandleader and composer of iconic 19th-century music.
Patrick Gilmore was born near Galway in 1829 and emigrated to the United States during the Irish Potato Famine. He served as a bandmaster during the American Civil War before organizing the celebrated National Peace Jubilee in 1869. Gilmore composed popular tunes like "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" and expanded the size and scope of military and civilian bands. Known as the "Father of the American Band", he shaped concert traditions and festival music. His innovations laid the groundwork for modern wind ensembles.
1892
Patrick Gilmore
German general and politician
German general and politician
German Wehrmacht general in World War II who later served as a politician in postwar West Germany.
Hasso von Manteuffel, born in 1897, rose through the ranks of the German Army to become one of its youngest divisional commanders during World War II. Known for his leadership in armored warfare, he commanded the 5th Panzer Army in critical battles such as the Ardennes Offensive. After the war, Manteuffel was interned by Allied forces but later released and entered politics, serving as a member of the West German Bundestag. Representing the Christian Democratic Union, he advocated for veteran affairs and reconstruction efforts during Germany's recovery. Manteuffel authored several memoirs recounting his wartime experiences and tactical analyses. His military career earned him the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords. Remembered for his strategic acumen and postwar public service, Manteuffel played a role in bridging Germany's military past with its democratic future.
Hasso von Manteuffel
Canadian soldier and runner
Canadian soldier and runner
Phil Latulippe was a Canadian World War II veteran and long-distance runner who promoted fitness and community service.
Born in 1909, Latulippe served with distinction in the Canadian Army during World War II before dedicating himself to athletics and philanthropy. In his later years, he took up long-distance running, completing numerous marathons and setting records in his age category. A passionate advocate for healthy living, he organized races and community events to encourage seniors to stay active. Latulippe also established charitable initiatives to support youth sports and veterans. His commitment to physical fitness and community engagement earned him national recognition in Canada.
Phil Latulippe
Kazakh general and politician
Kazakh general and politician
Kazakh general and statesman who served both in the Soviet Army and as Kazakhstan's first Defense Minister.
Born in 1924, Nurmagambetov joined the Red Army during World War II and earned recognition for his leadership on the Eastern Front. He rose through the Soviet military ranks, eventually commanding key units and receiving high honors. After Kazakhstan gained independence, he was appointed its first Minister of Defence, helping to establish the nation's armed forces. His career bridged Soviet and post-Soviet eras, influencing military policy and training. Nurmagambetov was celebrated as a national hero and decorated veteran. He died in 2013, remembered for his service and role in shaping Kazakhstan's defense.
Sagadat Nurmagambetov