October 15

Born into the influential De la Gardie family, he rose to become Lord High Treasurer and a key advisor to Queen Christina of Sweden. He led military campaigns during the Polish–Swedish wars and played a central role in the politics of the Swedish Empire under Kings Christina and Charles X. His tenure was marked by both administrative reforms and lavish patronage of the arts. De la Gardie served as Governor-General of Livonia and maintained the trust of royal courts through strategic alliances. While his military strategies earned him acclaim, his extravagant lifestyle later led to financial difficulties. He remains a notable figure in Sweden's Age of Great Power.

Born in Limoges, Bugeaud joined the Revolutionary armies and served with distinction under Napoleon. His career advanced during the Napoleonic Wars, earning him the rank of colonel. Appointed Governor-General of Algeria in 1840, he implemented aggressive tactics, including mobile raids and scorched-earth policies, to suppress resistance. Later a peer of France and deputy in the Chamber of Deputies, he briefly served as Prime Minister in 1849 shortly before his death. Bugeaud authored military treatises on guerrilla warfare and conquest, leaving a controversial legacy due to the brutality of colonial campaigns.

Born into a prominent Santiago family, Carrera emerged as a leader during Chile’s early struggle for independence from Spain. As a member of the Junta of 1811, he implemented reforms including land redistribution and press freedom. His rivalry with Bernardo O’Higgins divided independence forces, leading to his exile in Argentina. Carrera later fought alongside San Martín in Peru but was captured in 1821 and executed. Considered one of Chile’s founding fathers, his efforts laid groundwork for the nation’s sovereignty despite political controversies.

Born in 1802, Louis-Eugène Cavaignac rose through military ranks to become a prominent general during the July Monarchy. His decisive actions during the 1848 Revolution led to his appointment as head of the provisional government and later as Chief of the Executive Power. He is noted for his controversial suppression of the June Days uprising, which cemented his reputation as a strong leader. Despite his military success, his moderate political stance and defeat in the December 1848 presidential election ended his brief tenure. Cavaignac retired from public life and died in 1857, leaving a complex legacy as both a military commander and a statesman.

Hiram Fong was born in 1906 in Honolulu, Hawaii. He served in the U.S. Army Transportation Corps during World War II. After the war, he embarked on a political career in the territory of Hawaii. In 1959, he became the first Asian American and first Chinese American elected to the United States Senate. Fong served as a senator from Hawaii until 1977 and was known for his moderate Republican views. He ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 1964, becoming the first Asian American from a major party to do so. Fong remained active in public service and business until his death in 2004. His legacy endures as a trailblazer for Asian Americans in national politics.

Wolfgang Lüth was a celebrated U-boat commander in the German Kriegsmarine during World War II. Born in 1913, he quickly rose through the ranks due to his tactical acumen and daring patrols. Under his orders, U-boats sank over 40 Allied merchant ships, making him one of the most successful submariners. He received the prestigious Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords for his achievements. His command style and strategic insights had a lasting impact on naval warfare studies. Tragically, Lüth was accidentally killed aboard his own submarine in 1945. His career continues to be analyzed by military historians interested in the Battle of the Atlantic.

James E. Akins began his career in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before joining the Foreign Service. He held diplomatic posts in Europe and the Middle East throughout the 1960s. In 1973, he was appointed U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia during the OPEC oil embargo. Akins’s analysis of Saudi production policies influenced U.S. energy decisions. His direct assessments sometimes clashed with the Nixon administration’s stance on oil diplomacy. He left his ambassadorship in 1976 and briefed Congress on international energy challenges. Later, he served as a lecturer on Middle Eastern affairs at various institutions. Akins’s dual experience as a soldier and diplomat shaped U.S. policy in a critical era.

Harold W. Gehman Jr. (born 1942) graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1965 and flew combat missions in Vietnam. He commanded the U.S. Second Fleet and later served as NATO Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic. Gehman led maritime operations and strategic planning during a transformative period in post-Cold War security. He also chaired the Columbia Space Shuttle mishap investigation, demonstrating his leadership in crisis response. After retiring, Gehman has been active in defense consulting and leadership training. He is recognized for his strategic vision and commitment to military readiness.