October 17

Prince Dmitry Pozharsky (1577–1642) emerged as a key leader during Russia’s Time of Troubles. Partnering with merchant Kuzma Minin, he organized a volunteer army to expel Polish-Lithuanian forces from Moscow in 1612. His strategic acumen and rallying call for national unity turned the tide of the conflict. Later celebrated as a symbol of Russian resilience, Pozharsky was canonized by the Orthodox Church. His legacy is honored each year on National Unity Day in Russia.

Juan Lavalle, born in 1797, was a prominent Argentine military commander and politician. He fought in the wars of independence and rose to the rank of general in the Army of the Andes. Lavalle led a coup against the federal government in 1828 and served briefly as governor of Buenos Aires. His actions fueled the civil wars between Unitarians and Federalists, shaping Argentina's political landscape. Despite his military talents, his rule was controversial and faced strong opposition. He died in exile in 1841, remembered for both his bravery and his divisive legacy.

José E. Días (1833–1867) was a Paraguayan military leader who rose to the rank of general during the War of the Triple Alliance against Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. He commanded troops in several key engagements, demonstrating strategic acumen in the face of daunting odds. Días remained committed to defending Paraguay’s sovereignty until his death in 1867 amid the conflict’s heavy toll. His leadership exemplified the resilience of Paraguayan forces during one of South America’s most devastating wars.

Haritina Korotkevich (1882–1904) volunteered as a nurse during the Russo-Japanese War and later joined combat ranks under a male alias. She saw front-line action and was praised for rescuing wounded soldiers under fire. Her courage challenged contemporary gender norms, inspiring women across Russia. Korotkevich received commendations for her valor shortly before her untimely death in battle. Her story became a symbol of sacrifice and heroism in Russian military lore. Despite her brief life, she left a lasting legacy as an extraordinary female combatant.

Theodor Eicke was a key figure in establishing the Nazi concentration camp system, serving as the first commandant of Dachau. He implemented rigorous training programs and camp regulations adopted throughout the SS. Later, he commanded the 3rd SS Totenkopf Division on the Eastern Front. Eicke was known for his strict discipline and loyalty to Heinrich Himmler. His influence shaped the structure of camps across Europe. He was killed in action in 1943.

Born in the Russian Empire, Grechko joined the Red Army in 1922 and rose through the ranks during the interwar period. As commander of the 62nd Army, he fought in the Battle of Stalingrad and later led tank armies in the liberation of Eastern Europe. Promoted to Marshal of the Soviet Union in 1962, he oversaw Soviet ground forces during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Prague Spring. In 1967, he became Minister of Defense, initiating military modernization and expanding the Warsaw Pact's capabilities. Grechko was twice awarded Hero of the Soviet Union for his wartime leadership. He died in office in 1976, leaving a legacy of strategic influence on Soviet military policy.

Faik Türün was a Turkish Army general who graduated from the Turkish Military Academy and rose through the ranks to command major formations. He led Turkish troops during the Korean War as part of the United Nations forces. Upon returning to Turkey, he held high-level staff positions and commanded several military districts. Türün played a significant role in the military tribunal following the 1960 coup d'état. His strategic insights and leadership contributed to the development of modern Turkish military doctrine. He retired with honors in recognition of his service to his country.

Corporal Aimo Koivunen served in the Finnish Army during the Continuation War against the Soviet Union. In July 1941, after being wounded and separated from his unit, he ingested methamphetamine tablets to combat exhaustion and cycled over 300 kilometers behind enemy lines. Despite severe injuries and a drug overdose, he survived alone in the wilderness for days before being captured. His case remains unique for the extreme measures he took and his extraordinary resilience. After the war, Koivunen lived a private life until his death in 1989, and his story has since fascinated historians.

Anton Geiser was born in 1924 in the region of the former Yugoslavia and served as an officer in the Nazi Waffen-SS during World War II. After the war, he emigrated to the United States and obtained citizenship, settling in Seattle as an engineer. In the early 2000s, evidence surfaced of his involvement with SS units responsible for war crimes. The U.S. government revoked his citizenship in 2006, and he faced efforts at deportation. Geiser maintained his innocence but lost his legal battle and died in 2012 while awaiting removal. His case became a high-profile example of the United States' pursuit of justice against former Nazi perpetrators.

William Anders was a United States Air Force Major General and NASA astronaut born in 1933. He flew on Apollo 8, the first crewed mission to orbit the Moon, helping capture the iconic Earthrise photograph. His technical skill and calm leadership were essential to the mission’s success. After NASA, Anders continued his military career and later held leadership roles in aerospace organizations. He received honors including the NASA Distinguished Service Medal. Anders passed away in 2024 but is remembered as a pioneer of human space exploration.