October 11

Jan Žižka was born in the late 1360s and became one of the most innovative military commanders of his time. As a leader of the Hussite forces, he employed revolutionary tactics such as fortified wagon trains and effective use of firearms. Under his command, the Hussites won several victories against larger crusader armies, securing religious and political concessions. Despite losing one eye early in his career and the other later, Žižka continued to lead his troops with remarkable resilience. He died in 1424, leaving a legacy as a national hero and pioneer of military engineering.

Casimir Pulaski was born to Polish nobility in 1745 and fought for his country's freedom in the Bar Confederation. After emigrating to America, he joined General George Washington's staff and formed the Pulaski Cavalry Legion. Renowned for his daring charges and training of American cavalry, he earned the title 'Father of the American Cavalry'. Pulaski was mortally wounded during the Siege of Savannah in 1779. His bravery and strategic skill have been honored with monuments and his name carries on in the U.S. military. He died in October 1779, securing his place in both Polish and American history.

Meriwether Lewis was born in 1774 in Virginia and commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory. From 1804 to 1806, he co-led the Corps of Discovery expedition with William Clark, mapping routes and documenting natural resources. Lewis' detailed journals provided valuable insights into the geography, flora, fauna, and Indigenous peoples of the American West. After the expedition, he was appointed Governor of the Louisiana Territory, where he faced the challenges of frontier administration. A U.S. Army captain, he also organized militia defenses and negotiated with local tribes. Lewis died under mysterious circumstances in 1809 while traveling to Washington, D.C.

John Ross Key was born in 1754 in Maryland and served as a lieutenant in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. After his military service, he studied law and established a practice in Frederick County. Key was appointed as a judge of the Orphans' Court, where he presided over civil and estate matters. He is best remembered as the father of Francis Scott Key, the author of the U.S. national anthem. His civic contributions helped shape early American legal institutions. He died in 1821, leaving a family legacy that continues to influence American history.

Born in 1776 in Cuenca, he initially served in the Spanish colonial army before joining the Peruvian independence movement. He commanded patriot forces in crucial battles against royalist troops, demonstrating strategic skill. Elected President of Peru in 1827, he became the nation’s fourth head of state during its formative years. His presidency focused on consolidating republican institutions and strengthening the military amid regional unrest. He faced internal rebellions and diplomatic challenges while promoting economic and educational reforms. Following his term, he spent time in exile but later returned to Peru. He died on October 11, 1830, and is remembered as a founding father and military strategist of the Peruvian republic.

Chesty Puller, born Lewis Burwell Puller in 1898, was a Lieutenant General in the United States Marine Corps renowned for his combat leadership. He served with distinction in Haiti, Nicaragua, World War II, and the Korean War, earning five Navy Crosses for extraordinary heroism. Puller was known for his fearless spirit and deep commitment to his men, famously urging them forward under fire. His inspiring leadership and frequent frontline presence became the stuff of Marine Corps legend. After retiring in 1955, he remained active in veterans' affairs and influenced Marine Corps culture. His exploits are studied in military circles, and his legacy endures in Marine tradition and lore.

Born in Dallas, Texas, in 1915, David Lee 'Tex' Hill joined the Chinese Air Force before the United States entered World War II. As a squadron leader with the Flying Tigers, he led daring missions against Japanese forces in China and Burma. His exceptional flying skills and leadership earned him multiple Distinguished Flying Crosses and a reputation as a fearless combat pilot. After the war, he remained active in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and rose to the rank of brigadier general. Hill also worked as an aviation executive, promoting international cooperation in aerospace. He died in 2007, remembered as one of the most celebrated American aviators of his era.

Born in 1932 in England, Marjorie Fletcher dedicated her career to the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS). She rose through the ranks, serving in a variety of operational and administrative roles before her appointment as Director. In this position, she advocated for expanded training opportunities and equal career paths for women in the Royal Navy. Fletcher oversaw the modernization of the WRNS uniform and integration of new technologies. After retiring from service, she continued to mentor young officers and promote veterans' welfare. She died in 2008, remembered for her leadership and commitment to gender equality in the armed forces.

Erich Priebke was a German SS officer who played a central role in the 1944 Ardeatine massacre in Rome, where 335 Italian civilians were executed in retaliation for a partisan attack. Born in 1913, he rose through the ranks of the Nazi security forces and oversaw the mass execution of innocent civilians. After the war, Priebke escaped to Argentina and lived under an assumed identity for decades. His presence was revealed in 1994, leading to his extradition to Italy in 1995. In 1998, he was tried and convicted for war crimes, receiving a life sentence. Due to his advanced age, he served his sentence under house arrest and died in Rome in 2013 at the age of 100.