October 18

Born in 1663 in Paris to the Italian Savoyard royal family, Prince Eugene of Savoy initially sought service at the French court but was rejected by Louis XIV. He offered his talents to the Austrian Habsburgs and rose to prominence in the wars against the Ottoman Empire. Eugene won decisive victories at the Battle of Zenta in 1697 and helped lift the Siege of Vienna. His leadership continued in the War of the Spanish Succession, where he secured key successes at the Battles of Oudenarde and Malplaquet. Beyond his battlefield achievements, Eugene served as a diplomat and advisor, shaping Habsburg military and political strategy. He died in 1736 and is remembered as a paragon of Baroque-era generalship.

Born in 1741, Pierre Choderlos de Laclos pursued a career in the French army, rising to the rank of infantry general. While serving, he wrote the scandalous novel 'Les Liaisons dangereuses', published anonymously in 1782. The book's complex characters and epistolary style shocked readers with its frank portrayal of manipulation and desire. It remains a masterpiece of 18th-century literature and has inspired numerous adaptations on stage and screen. Choderlos de Laclos balanced his military duties with his literary ambitions, often writing in his spare moments. He died in 1803 while returning to France, leaving a legacy as both a soldier and a groundbreaking author.

Mehmet Esat Bülkat was born in 1862 in Istanbul and rose through the ranks of the Ottoman Army. He commanded forces in the Balkan Wars and played key defensive roles during the Gallipoli campaign in World War I. Known for his strategic insight and leadership under pressure, he later served as War Minister in the late Ottoman government. Bülkat’s efforts contributed to the reorganization of the army and modernization of military tactics. He retired with honors and lived until 1952, witnessing the fall of the empire he served.

Takashi Sakai (1887–1946) was an Imperial Japanese Army general who administered occupied Hong Kong during World War II. A graduate of the Army Staff College, he commanded forces in China before his appointment in December 1941. As Governor, he enforced strict military rule and oversaw civil administration under Japanese occupation. His tenure was marked by harsh policies and repression of dissent among Hong Kong's populace. After Japan's surrender, Sakai was tried by Allied tribunals for war crimes. He was convicted and executed in 1946, becoming one of the few Japanese generals held accountable. Sakai's legacy remains controversial due to the severity of his governance.

Aarne Juutilainen earned his nickname ‘Marokon kauhu’ while serving in the French Foreign Legion in the Rif War during the 1920s. He displayed exceptional bravery and resilience in combat, which later inspired Finnish military folklore. With the onset of World War II, Captain Juutilainen returned to Finland to lead troops in the Winter War and Continuation War against the Soviet Union. Known for his frontline leadership, he became a symbol of Finnish resistance and determination. After the war, he remained a celebrated figure, recounting his experiences in memoirs and lectures. His life story embodies the adventurous spirit and martial valor of early 20th-century soldiers.

Ric Nordman (1919–1996) was a Canadian politician prominent in Manitoba. He served as an alderman on the Winnipeg City Council from 1961 to 1969. In 1973, he was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba representing the Progressive Conservative Party. During his tenure, he advocated for community development and local infrastructure improvements. Before his political career, Nordman served as a captain in the Canadian military during World War II. His blend of military and public service left a lasting impact on provincial politics.

Bảo Ninh (born 1952) served in the North Vietnamese Army during the Vietnam War and later became one of Vietnam's most important literary voices. His debut novel, The Sorrow of War, offers a haunting, first-person account of combat and its lingering trauma, becoming a classic of world war literature. Ninh's writing combines poetic language with stark realism, challenging traditional war narratives and exploring the human cost of conflict. He has won the Vietnamese Writers' Association Award and his work has been translated into numerous languages.

Sir Nicholas Ralph Houghton (born 1954) served a distinguished military career spanning over four decades in the British Army. He held key commands in Northern Ireland, Iraq, and Afghanistan, earning recognition for operational leadership and strategic insight. As Chief of the Defence Staff, he oversaw British forces worldwide and advised the government on defense policy. Knighted for his service, Houghton's contributions have shaped modern British military doctrine and international operations.