October 13

James Gambier, 1st Baron Gambier (1756–1833) was a distinguished English admiral and politician. He entered the Royal Navy at an early age and rose through the ranks to command squadrons during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Gambier played a notable role in the 1801 Battle of Copenhagen under Admiral Sir Hyde Parker and was later accused of failing to support Admiral Nelson. As 36th Commodore Governor of Newfoundland from 1813 to 1816, he oversaw colonial affairs and strengthened defenses. He was raised to the peerage as Baron Gambier in 1800 for his naval service. In politics, he served as a Lord of the Admiralty and sat in the House of Lords, influencing naval policy. Gambier’s career was marked by both acclaim and controversy, reflecting the complexities of naval warfare and leadership.

Jacques Félix Emmanuel Hamelin (1768–1839) was a French naval officer and explorer. He began his career in the French Navy and saw action during the Revolutionary Wars. Hamelin commanded ships in expeditions to the Indian Ocean and the Pacific, mapping parts of the Australian and Southeast Asian coasts. He served under Admiral d'Entrecasteaux on a search for La Pérouse and later led his own voyages of discovery. Hamelin was noted for his cartographic contributions and diplomatic interactions with indigenous peoples. He rose to the rank of vice-admiral and was awarded honors for his service. His maps and journals provided valuable information for future maritime navigation.

John Rinehart Blue began his career as an officer in the U.S. Army, demonstrating leadership and dedication. Following his service, he pursued education, working as a teacher and school administrator. Simultaneously, he established a successful business in retail, serving his local community. In the 1950s, Blue entered politics, winning election to the state legislature and advocating for veterans and rural development. His multifaceted career exemplified commitment to public service across military, education, business, and government.

Roberto Eduardo Viola was a career military officer in the Argentine Army who rose to the rank of general. He assumed the presidency in March 1981 as part of the military junta that was ruling Argentina. His tenure was marred by economic difficulties and political infighting within the regime. His government embarked on austerity measures that proved deeply unpopular. After only a few months in power, he was deposed and placed under house arrest. He remains a notable example of the turbulent era of military rule in Argentina.

Dési Bouterse (born October 13, 1945) is a Surinamese military leader and politician. He led a military coup in 1980 and became the country's de facto ruler during the 1980s. In 2010, he was democratically elected as the ninth President of Suriname and held office until 2020. His presidency focused on economic reforms and strengthening international relations. Despite controversies surrounding his earlier rule, he remains a significant figure in Suriname's modern history.

Eric Joyce is a Scottish former Member of Parliament and British Army officer. Commissioned into the Parachute Regiment, he served in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, and Iraq before entering politics. Elected as MP for Falkirk in 2005, Joyce became known for his advocacy on defense and social justice issues. He left the Labour Party in 2012 and concluded his parliamentary career in 2015. Since leaving Parliament, he has focused on veterans' advocacy and public speaking. Joyce's combined experience in military service and politics informs his ongoing work in policy and community affairs.

Born on October 13, 1964, Nie Haisheng graduated from the PLA Air Force Academy and joined the astronaut corps in 1998. He flew on Shenzhou 6 in 2005, becoming China's second-taikonaut to orbit Earth. In 2013, he commanded Shenzhou 10, conducting scientific experiments aboard Tiangong-1. Nie later led the Shenzhou 12 mission in 2021, China's first crewed flight to its space station. A decorated general, he has been honored for his contributions to China's human spaceflight program.