September 27

Takenaka Shigeharu, widely known by his nickname Hanbei, was a samurai strategist born in Mino Province. He lost his eye in battle, earning renown for his tactical brilliance and fearless leadership. Shigeharu served under Toyotomi Hideyoshi and played a key role in consolidating power during the unification of Japan. His strategic advice was highly valued at the Toyotomi court, and he contributed to planning several successful sieges. Despite his early death in 1579, his reputation endured through chronicles and later military studies.

Robert Blake served as a leading admiral in the Commonwealth Navy during the mid-17th century. He pioneered naval tactics that emphasized aggressive engagement and discipline. Blake commanded fleets in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms and blockaded Royalist ports during the English Civil War. He is credited with defending English merchant shipping against pirates and foreign powers. His victories at sea laid the foundation for Britain’s naval dominance in later centuries.

Antoine Philippe de La Trémoille was a French nobleman and military commander during the French Revolutionary era. He rose to the rank of general in the royalist forces opposing the revolutionary government. La Trémoille led several campaigns in the Vendée and other regions, aiming to restore the monarchy. His dedication to the royalist cause exemplified the conflicts between revolutionaries and traditional aristocracy. After imprisonment and exile, he returned to France to continue his efforts before being executed in 1794. La Trémoille’s life reflects the turbulence and ideological clashes of late-18th-century France.

Samuel Francis Du Pont was a distinguished American naval officer who played a pivotal role in the Mexican–American War. As commodore, he led the U.S. fleet to decisive victories at Veracruz and other Gulf Coast operations. Du Pont later served as a rear admiral in the early stages of the American Civil War, commanding the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. He pioneered steam-powered naval tactics and advocated for modernizing the fleet with ironclad ships. Despite mixed reviews during the Civil War, his earlier successes cemented his reputation in naval history. Du Pont’s strategic vision influenced the evolution of American naval power in the 19th century.

William "Bull" Nelson (1824–1862) was a Union Army general who played a key role in securing Kentucky for the North. He gained his nickname for his imposing stature and tenacious personality. Nelson commanded troops in several major campaigns, including the Kanawha Valley and the defense of Louisville. He was instrumental in organizing Kentucky’s defenses against Confederate incursions. His career ended tragically when he was killed in a dispute with a fellow officer. Despite his violent death, Nelson’s contributions helped shape Union strategy in the western theater. He is remembered for his bold leadership and unwavering commitment to the Union cause.

William Babcock Hazen (1830–1887) served as a Union Army general during the American Civil War, distinguishing himself at battles such as Fort Donelson and Vicksburg. After the war, he became the U.S. Army Chief Signal Officer and played a pivotal role in developing early weather forecasting techniques. Hazen oversaw the expansion of the Signal Corps into a national meteorological service. He introduced systematic weather observations and forecasting that laid the foundation for modern meteorology. Hazen also contributed to advancements in telegraphy and military communications. His work had a lasting impact on both military operations and civilian weather services. He is remembered as a forward-thinking innovator in military science.

Lawrence Sullivan Ross (1838–1898), popularly known as “Sul” Ross, was a Confederate cavalry general who later became the 19th Governor of Texas. After the Civil War, he served as a Texas Ranger, fighting Native American raids along the frontier. As governor from 1887 to 1891, Ross championed public education and economic development in the state. He was instrumental in revitalizing the University of Texas and played a key role in expanding Texas A&M University. Ross later served as president of Texas A&M, where he improved academic standards and campus life. He was beloved by students and citizens for his leadership and dedication to Texas. His legacy endures in institutions named in his honor.

Alfred Thayer Mahan (1840–1914) was a United States Navy captain and historian whose landmark book, The Influence of Sea Power upon History, revolutionized naval strategy and political thought. His analysis of maritime dominance influenced naval policies in the United States, Britain, Germany, and beyond. Mahan served in the Civil War, commanding gunboats along the Mississippi River before joining the Naval War College faculty. He later became president of the college and taught future strategists. His writings underscored the importance of naval supremacy in global power. Mahan’s theories helped spur a naval arms race in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, he is regarded as the father of sea power studies.

Lothar von Richthofen was a German aviator and younger brother of the famed Red Baron Manfred von Richthofen. He joined the Imperial German Air Service and quickly established himself as a skilled combat pilot. By the end of World War I, he was credited with at least 40 aerial victories. He commanded Jagdstaffel 11, the squadron once led by his brother. After the war, he struggled with civilian life and aircraft development projects. In 1922, he died in a flying accident while testing a Dornier aircraft. His legacy is overshadowed by his brother but he remains one of Germany's notable aces.

Michael Colvin (1932–2000) was born in Wiltshire and educated at Eton College before attending the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He served as a captain in the Scots Guards, then transitioned to politics as a Conservative MP. Colvin was first elected to Parliament in a 1976 by-election and represented Bristol Central before moving to Romsey in 1983. He focused on defense and rural affairs, serving on key parliamentary committees. Colvin died in office in 2000, leaving a reputation for dedicated constituency service and military expertise.