October 25

James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose, was born in 1612 and became famous as a skilled Royalist commander in Scotland. Initially aligned with the Covenanters, he switched allegiance to King Charles I and led a series of stunning victories at Tippermuir, Aberdeen, and Inverlochy with a small, disciplined force. His bold tactics and charisma made him a symbol of Royalist resistance. Captured in 1650, he was executed in Edinburgh, and his memoirs and exploits inspired poets and historians. Montrose's dramatic life and military genius have made him a legendary figure in Scottish history.

François Joseph Lefebvre (1755–1820) was a French general and one of Napoleon’s original marshals. Born in Rouffach, he rose from private soldier to commander of the Army of the Rhine. He distinguished himself during the French Revolutionary Wars, earning promotion for his tactical skill. In 1807, Napoleon created him Duke of Danzig after the successful siege of that city. Lefebvre commanded forces in Spain and fought at major battles such as Wagram and Waterloo. He later served as a peer of France under Louis XVIII, taking part in the restored monarchy’s institutions. His career exemplifies the opportunities and challenges of military service during the Napoleonic era.

Born in 1772, Duroc joined the French Revolutionary army and quickly rose through the ranks. He became a close companion and aide-de-camp to Napoleon Bonaparte. As Grand Marshal of the Palace, he managed the emperor’s household and official correspondence. He was entrusted with diplomatic missions, negotiating alliances and treaties across Europe. He fought bravely in the 1813 campaign and was mortally wounded at the Battle of Bautzen. His loyalty and administrative skill made him one of Napoleon’s most trusted officers.

Born in 1779 in Muriedas, Spain, Velarde trained as a military officer before joining the artillery. He took part in the defense of Madrid during the Dos de Mayo uprising on May 2, 1808. Facing overwhelming French forces, he stood his ground and became a symbol of Spanish resistance. He fell in battle but inspired his compatriots to continue the fight for independence. His bravery was commemorated in literature and monuments throughout Spain. He is remembered as one of the first heroes of the Peninsular War.

Born in 1789 in Buenos Aires, Alvear joined the revolutionary forces against Spanish rule. He became a general in the Army of the North and distinguished himself in key battles for independence. In 1815, he was appointed Supreme Director of the United Provinces, the highest executive post. His term faced political factions and regional rivalries, leading to his resignation later that year. He served as ambassador to the United States and European powers, promoting foreign recognition of Argentina. He lived in exile for periods but returned to influence Argentine politics before his death in 1852.

Józef Dowbor-Muśnicki was a prominent Polish general who played a crucial role in the Greater Poland Uprising of 1918–1919. After serving in the Imperial Russian Army, he returned to Poland and took command of the newly formed Polish forces in the western provinces. Under his leadership, Polish troops secured Poznań and effectively ended German control in the region. He later organized the Army of the Wielkopolska and served as its Chief of Staff. His strategic acumen and dedication to Polish independence are still commemorated in military history.

Richard Evelyn Byrd was a U.S. Naval officer and pioneering polar explorer. He was a prolific aviator who led several expeditions to Antarctica, mapping uncharted territory. Byrd became a national hero, awarded the Medal of Honor for his aerial achievements. He developed innovative navigation and survival techniques suitable for extreme polar conditions. Byrd's expeditions expanded scientific understanding of the polar regions and inspired future explorers. After his Antarctic voyages, he commanded naval aviation units during World War II. He published books on his experiences and became a popular lecturer, sharing his insights.

Levi Eshkol (1895–1969) was an Israeli politician and military figure who served as the third Prime Minister of Israel from 1963 until his death. Born in Ukraine, he emigrated to Palestine in 1914 and fought in the Jewish Legion during World War I. Eshkol was a founding member of Mapai and held various ministerial roles, including Minister of Finance, where he oversaw major economic growth projects. As Prime Minister, he presided over Israel's extensive settlement expansion and agricultural development programs. He also led the nation through the tense early months of the Six-Day War, setting the stage for Israel's modern boundaries. Eshkol's pragmatic leadership style and focus on state-building left a lasting impact on Israeli society.

Arthur Schmidt (1895–1987) was a German army officer whose career spanned both World Wars, rising to the rank of colonel in the Wehrmacht. He began his service in World War I and remained in the Reichswehr during the interwar period. During World War II, he held various staff roles, contributing to strategic planning on multiple fronts. Schmidt was recognized for his logistical expertise and command acumen in supporting frontline operations. After the war, he was interned and later written about in memoirs of German military history. His experiences provide insight into the professional German officer corps during tumultuous decades.

Erwin von Lahousen (1897–1955) was a German military officer who served in the Abwehr, Germany's military intelligence service, during both World Wars. He was involved in covert operations and counterintelligence missions on the Eastern Front. Disillusioned with the Nazi regime, Lahousen joined anti-Hitler conspirators and provided intelligence to the Allies. After the war, he testified at the Nuremberg Trials, offering critical insights into the Abwehr's activities and Nazi crimes. His courageous decision to speak out contributed to historical understanding of Germany's wartime intelligence operations. Lahousen's legacy is remembered for his moral stance against totalitarianism.

Gotthard Handrick was born in Germany in 1908 and achieved Olympic gold in modern pentathlon at the 1936 Berlin Games.\nDemonstrating versatility across fencing, swimming, equestrian, shooting, and cross-country, he stood out among his peers.\nFollowing his athletic success, Handrick served as a fighter pilot in the Luftwaffe during World War II.\nHe held command positions and flew combat missions on multiple fronts, earning recognition for his leadership.\nAfter the war, he contributed to aviation training and sports administration in Germany.\nHandrick passed away in 1978, remembered for his unique blend of athletic and military accomplishments.

Born in 1913, Klaus Barbie joined the SS and became head of the Gestapo in Lyon, France, in 1942. Infamous for his brutal methods, he directed torture and deportation of resistance members and Jewish civilians, earning the nickname 'Butcher of Lyon'. After the war, Barbie worked for U.S. intelligence before fleeing to Bolivia under a false identity. There he advised military regimes and lived until 1983, when he was extradited to France. In 1987, he was convicted of crimes against humanity and sentenced to life imprisonment. Barbie died in a French prison in 1991, his legacy marked by one of WWII’s darkest chapters.