October 28

Ōkubo Tadayo was born in 1532 and became a trusted general under Tokugawa Ieyasu during Japan's Sengoku period. He fought alongside Ieyasu at key engagements such as the Siege of Odawara and the Battle of Komaki and Nagakute. As one of the Four Guardians, he secured Tokugawa holdings in Mikawa Province. In recognition of his service, he was granted the Odawara Domain. His leadership and unwavering loyalty helped lay the foundation for Tokugawa rule.

Born in 1700 in Thuringia, Brühl entered Saxon service under Augustus II the Strong. He rose to become First Minister of Saxony and Minister of the Treasury for Poland. Brühl wielded immense power, overseeing court finances, foreign policy, and diplomatic affairs. He commanded Saxon troops in the War of Austrian Succession and managed the state during the Seven Years' War. Despite his influence, his lavish spending and military failures strained Saxony's resources. He was dismissed in 1763 and died later that year, leaving a controversial reputation.

Artemas Ward (1727–1800) was a senior officer in the Continental Army and later served as a U.S. congressman. As Commander-in-Chief of the Massachusetts militia, he led colonial forces during the Siege of Boston in 1775. Ward balanced military and political careers, representing Massachusetts in the First United States Congress from 1790 to 1796. His leadership helped organize early American defenses and set standards for military administration. Ward's hometown of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, honors his legacy with historic sites and memorials. Known for his integrity and dedication, he bridged the gap between military service and civilian governance.

Louis-Eugène Cavaignac (1802–1857) was a French general who rose to prominence during the 1848 Revolution. As Minister of War, he suppressed the June Days uprising in Paris with decisive military action. Cavaignac was appointed head of the executive power and served as Prime Minister of France from June to December 1848. He championed republican ideals and attempted to stabilize France amid political turmoil. Despite losing the presidential election to Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte, his leadership influenced the Second Republic's early years. Cavaignac's career bridged military command and political governance during a pivotal era in French history.

Born in Giebichenstein in 1891, Oswald Boelcke achieved ace status with 40 aerial victories during World War I. He developed the 'Dicta Boelcke', a set of rules that formed the basis of modern air combat strategy. As leader of Jagdstaffel 2, he trained a generation of German pilots, including Manfred von Richthofen. Boelcke’s emphasis on formation flying and situational awareness transformed aerial warfare. His career was cut short in 1916 by a training accident, but his influence endured throughout the war.

Born in Bunbury in 1870, Sir Newton Moore joined the British Army and fought in the Second Boer War, earning commendation for his leadership. Returning to Australia, he was elected to the Western Australian Parliament and became Premier in 1906 at age 36. His government introduced key social and infrastructure reforms, including railway expansion and public health measures. In 1917, he entered federal politics and later served as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. Moore died in 1936, leaving a record of dedicated military and public service.

Kesago Nakajima was a general in the Imperial Japanese Army with a career spanning the early 20th century. He served in various capacities during the Second Sino-Japanese War and commanded forces in China and Southeast Asia. Despite scarce personal records, he was known for his leadership in major military operations. After Japan’s surrender in 1945, Nakajima was demobilized and passed away later that year. He left a modest yet notable military legacy in Japan’s modern history.

Camilo Cienfuegos was a central figure in the Cuban Revolution, serving as one of Fidel Castro’s most trusted commanders. Born in 1932, he joined the rebel forces in the Sierra Maestra and played a pivotal role in major battles such as the capture of Santa Clara. Known for his charisma and leadership, Cienfuegos became a national hero in post-revolutionary Cuba. In October 1959, he mysteriously disappeared during a flight over the Gulf of Cazones. His legacy endures in Cuba, where he is remembered as a symbol of revolutionary zeal and integrity.

Aarne Juutilainen, nicknamed 'The Terror of Morocco,' was a Finnish military officer celebrated for his valor in the Winter War of 1939-1940. He served in the French Foreign Legion in the 1920s, gaining combat experience in North Africa before returning to Finland. Known for leading daring patrols and unyielding defense tactics, he played a key role in battles at Kollaa. Juutilainen's fearless conduct and motivational leadership became legendary among Finnish troops. His military career embodied resilience and strategic ingenuity in the face of overwhelming odds.

André Masson served as a soldier during World War I before emerging as a leading figure in the Surrealist movement. He experimented with automatic drawing to tap into the unconscious mind, producing striking, fluid imagery. Masson's work spanned painting, sculpture, and illustration, often exploring themes of mythology and the human psyche. He was closely associated with artists like André Breton and provided artwork for major Surrealist publications. Masson's innovative techniques and daring compositions left a lasting mark on modern art.

Eugene K. Bird served as a United States Army colonel and took command of Spandau Prison, where convicted Nazi leaders were held after WWII. Born in 1926, he oversaw the institution from 1966 to 1971, maintaining strict security while advocating for humane treatment. After his military tenure, Bird authored candid memoirs, including "The Loneliest Man in the World", detailing his interactions with prisoners like Rudolf Hess. His writings provided rare insights into the complexities of justice, reconciliation, and Cold War politics. Bird combined firsthand military experience with reflective analysis on history and ethics. His contributions remain valued by historians and readers interested in postwar reconciliation and prison administration.

Bob Broeg served in the U.S. Army during World War II before embarking on a celebrated career in sports journalism. Born in 1918, he wrote for The Sporting News and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, becoming an authoritative voice on Major League Baseball. Broeg authored several books on baseball history and was instrumental in establishing the annual All-Star Game festivities. His engaging columns and biographies earned him the J.G. Taylor Spink Award from the Baseball Hall of Fame. Known for his deep respect for the game and its players, Broeg’s writing inspired fans and fellow journalists alike. His legacy bridges distinguished military service and influential sports writing.