October 22

Born around 688, Charles Martel served as Mayor of the Palace of Austrasia and became the de facto ruler of the Frankish realms. He earned the epithet 'the Hammer' after his decisive victory at the Battle of Tours in 732, which is credited with halting the northward advance of Umayyad forces. Martel reformed the Frankish army, instituting cavalry tactics that became a model for medieval European warfare. His consolidation of power laid the groundwork for the Carolingian dynasty and the future reign of his grandson Charlemagne. Charles Martel's leadership stabilized Frankish territories and influenced the political landscape of medieval Europe.

Born in 1561, Kikkawa Hiroie became head of the Iwami Kikkawa clan, serving under the powerful Mōri family in western Japan. He took part in regional campaigns against rival warlords and managed his domain's affairs with a focus on military readiness. During the unification of Japan, Hiroie navigated complex loyalties, at times seeking accommodation with leading figures like Toyotomi Hideyoshi. After the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, he faced repercussions from the victorious Tokugawa shogunate, which reduced his territories. Hiroie retired to his estates, dedicating himself to governance and cultural activities. His life exemplifies the precarious position of daimyō amid Japan's transition to centralized rule.

Juan Antonio Lavalleja was born in 1784 in Minas, Uruguay. He led the famed 'Treinta y Tres Orientales' expedition in 1825 that ignited the struggle for Uruguayan independence from Brazil. As a skilled general, he played a decisive role in the Cisplatine War and the subsequent establishment of Uruguay as a sovereign state. Throughout his career, he balanced military command with delicate political negotiations. In 1853, he briefly assumed the presidency of Uruguay to stabilize the young nation. He died later that year, leaving an indelible imprint on his country's history.

Thomas Mayne Reid was born in 1818 in Ballyroney, Ireland. He served in the British Army and later fought in the Mexican-American War after emigrating to the United States. In 1845, Reid began publishing popular adventure novels such as 'The Scalp Hunters' and 'The Bush Rangers', capturing the imagination of Victorian readers. His work featured exotic settings, daring heroes, and rich descriptions of frontier life. Reid's storytelling influenced later adventure writers and helped shape the genre in Europe and America. He returned to England in his later years and continued writing until his death in 1883.

Born in 1897 in Guangdong, Ye Jianying trained at the Whampoa Military Academy and rose through the ranks of the People's Liberation Army. He played a decisive role in the Communist victory of 1949 and later served as Defense Minister. Following Mao Zedong's death, Ye helped neutralize the Gang of Four and restore political stability. In 1978 he was appointed Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, effectively acting as head of state until 1983. Known for his calm demeanor and diplomatic skill, he fostered early East-West relations. He retired in 1983 and passed away in 1986, leaving a legacy as both a strategist and a statesman.

James Robinson Risner was born in 1925 and served over 30 years in the United States Air Force. He flew combat missions in the Korean War as a fighter pilot in F-51 Mustangs. During the Vietnam War he commanded fighter wings and was shot down and captured. As a prisoner of war, Risner endured over seven years of harsh captivity and torture, becoming a symbol of resilience. After his release, he continued to serve in high-level command positions, rising to the rank of lieutenant general. He received numerous awards including the Air Force Cross and Silver Star. Risner's leadership and bravery left a lasting legacy in military aviation history.

George Francis was born in 1934 in Fulham and became a prolific centre-forward in English football. He scored 89 goals in 162 matches for Queens Park Rangers between 1954 and 1959. Francis later played for Fulham and West Ham United, earning a reputation for his powerful headers. During his early career, he completed his National Service in the British Army, balancing football with military duties. After retiring from professional play, he remained active in coaching and community sports programs. Francis is remembered for his dedication on the pitch and disciplined character shaped by his military experience.

Joshua Wheeler served more than two decades in the U.S. Army, specializing in Delta Force operations. On October 22, 2015, he became the first American combat casualty in Iraq since 2011 while leading a raid to free hostages held by ISIS near Hawija. He displayed extraordinary bravery in the face of intense enemy fire, actions for which he was awarded the Silver Star posthumously. Wheeler was praised by his comrades for his leadership, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to his mission. His sacrifice underscored the ongoing challenges in the fight against extremist groups and his legacy continues to inspire military personnel and civilians alike.