October 18

Active in the early 9th century, Abu’l-Saraya emerged as a charismatic Zaydi rebel leader. He capitalized on political unrest to stage a revolt against the Abbasid Caliphate in southern Iraq. At the height of his campaign, he briefly captured Kufa, establishing a short-lived autonomous rule. Despite initial successes, his forces were eventually defeated by the caliphal army. He was captured and executed in 815, ending one of the most significant early insurrections in Abbasid history. Abu’l-Saraya’s uprising inspired later Zaydi movements and highlighted the fractious nature of early Islamic politics.

Details of Nikephoros Palaiologos’s early life and career remain scarce. He rose through the military ranks to become a prominent general in the late 11th century. Palaiologos played a key role in campaigns against the Seljuk Turks and other regional threats. He supported Emperor Alexios I Komnenos in securing Byzantine territories and restoring stability. His leadership in the field exemplified the resilience of Byzantine military tradition during turbulent times. Nikephoros’s contributions set the stage for his family’s later prominence in imperial affairs.

Patrick Hepburn, 1st Earl of Bothwell (d.1508), was a prominent Scottish nobleman and naval leader. He inherited the earldom after aligning with the faction that deposed James III. As Lord High Admiral of Scotland, he oversaw the kingdom's maritime defenses and naval administration. Hepburn played a key role in protecting Scottish waters from piracy and English incursions. His leadership strengthened Scotland’s naval capabilities during a period of political unrest. He engaged in both military and courtly affairs, balancing his duties as admiral and earl. Hepburn died in 1508, remembered as one of Scotland's early and influential naval commanders.

Born in Kai Province, Yamamoto Kansuke rose to prominence as one of Takeda Shingen's chief advisors. He was renowned for his tactical brilliance and leadership in battles such as those at Kawanakajima. Kansuke's daring strategies and ability to inspire troops made him a key figure in the Takeda clan's military successes. Historical accounts often blend fact and legend, portraying him as both a feared commander and a master of guerrilla tactics. He is said to have led a night assault during the Fourth Battle of Kawanakajima. Kansuke's death in 1561, whether in combat or by ritual suicide, solidified his status as a legendary samurai. His life and deeds continue to be celebrated in Japanese literature and theater.

John Manners, Marquess of Granby (1721–1770), was a celebrated British cavalry commander during the Seven Years' War. He commanded the Royal Blues and distinguished himself at the Battle of Warburg. After military service, he entered politics as a Whig, serving as Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire and Commander-in-Chief of the British army. Known for his generosity, he famously supported the families of his officers and was commemorated in pubs bearing his name. Despite financial struggles in later life, his popularity endured, cementing his legacy in British military and political history.

Born in 1784, Palmerston began his career as a British Army officer before entering Parliament as a Whig. He held the posts of Foreign Secretary and Home Secretary, shaping Britain’s far-reaching diplomacy. As Prime Minister from 1855 to 1858 and again from 1859 until his death in 1865, he championed liberal interventionist policies known as 'gunboat diplomacy.' He supported national unification movements in Italy and Germany and managed crises such as the Crimean War. Renowned for his wit, energy, and strong public persona, Palmerston dominated Victorian politics and left a legacy of assertive British foreign policy.

Born into a samurai family in 1840 in Saga Domain, Nozu Michitsura joined the newly formed Imperial Japanese Army following the Meiji Restoration. He served with distinction during the Satsuma Rebellion and the First Sino-Japanese War, demonstrating tactical skill. Nozu commanded the Japanese Second Army during the Russo-Japanese War and contributed to major victories. In recognition of his service, he was promoted to field marshal in 1905. He worked on modernizing Japan's military institutions and mentoring future military leaders. He retired from active service in 1906 and passed away in 1908, leaving a lasting impact on Japan's military history.

Born in 1890, Michiaki Kamada graduated from the Imperial Japanese Naval Academy and rose through the ranks of the Navy. He served on various warships and held staff roles before being promoted to rear admiral in the late 1930s. During World War II, Kamada took command of cruiser divisions and oversaw naval operations in the Pacific theater. He was noted for organizing complex maritime maneuvers and supply convoys in contested waters. After the war, he returned to Japan and lived through the country's transition to peace. Kamada retired from service and passed away in 1947. His career reflects the evolution of Japan's naval strategy during a pivotal era.

Born in 1881 in Berlin, Walther von Brauchitsch had a distinguished career in the Imperial German Army during World War I. He rose through the ranks to become Commander-in-Chief of the German Army from 1938 to 1941, overseeing major campaigns including the invasions of Poland and France. Despite early successes, strategic disagreements with Adolf Hitler and setbacks on the Eastern Front led to his dismissal in December 1941. After the war, he was held as a prisoner by the Allies and released shortly before his death in 1948. Brauchitsch's legacy is marked by his role in shaping Germany's early military strategy in World War II.

Admiral William J. Crowe was a distinguished American naval officer who served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1985 to 1989. Born in La Grange, Texas in 1925, he commanded the U.S. Sixth Fleet and later became Chief of Naval Operations. After retiring from the Navy, Crowe served as United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom from 1994 to 1997. His leadership during the Cold War era and diplomatic efforts strengthened U.S. military and international relations. Crowe passed away on October 18, 2007.

Bill Young served as a Marine Corps sergeant during the Korean War, instilling in him a commitment to service and leadership. He was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1970, representing Florida’s 8th (later 10th and 13th) Congressional District. Known for his expertise in defense spending, he became ranking member and later chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. Young was instrumental in shaping U.S. defense and veterans’ policies, securing funding for military readiness and health programs. He earned respect on both sides of the aisle for his pragmatic approach and deep knowledge of the federal budget process. Throughout his career, Young remained closely connected to his constituents, advocating for local projects and economic development. His long tenure and dedication made him one of the most influential members of Congress in his era.

Colin Powell (1937–2021) was a distinguished American military leader and public servant. He graduated from City College of New York and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army. Powell served two tours in Vietnam, earning the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He rose through the ranks to become National Security Advisor and then the first African American Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under Presidents Reagan and Bush. In 2001, President George W. Bush appointed him Secretary of State, where he played a key role in shaping U.S. foreign policy post-9/11, including the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. After leaving office, he founded a leadership consulting firm and remained active in charitable and educational initiatives. Powell authored the best-selling memoir My American Journey, reflecting on his life and career. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and remains a model of leadership and integrity.