November 07

Zhu Shouyin rose to prominence as a military commander under the Later Tang regime. He led campaigns against rival kingdoms and quelled internal rebellions. His strategic leadership earned him the respect of both his troops and his superiors. Later, political rivalries at court overshadowed his military achievements. Zhu Shouyin died in 927, remembered as one of his era’s notable military figures.

Henry of Nassau-Siegen was born in 1611 as a member of the prominent House of Nassau. He volunteered for the Dutch States Army, participating in key battles of the Eighty Years' War and the Thirty Years' War. His military leadership earned him respect among his peers and command positions. Transitioning to diplomacy, Henry represented the Dutch Republic in negotiations with European powers, working to secure alliances and maintain peace. His efforts strengthened the Republic's political standing during a volatile period. Henry died on November 7, 1652, leaving a record of service in both military and diplomatic arenas.

Born in 1921 in Budapest, Hannah Szenes emigrated to Mandatory Palestine in 1939 and later joined the British Special Operations Executive. In 1944, she parachuted into Yugoslavia and Hungary with the mission of rescuing Jewish communities from deportation. Captured by Hungarian forces, Szenes endured torture without betraying her comrades and was executed at the age of 23. Her poignant poems, especially “Blessed is the Match,” reflect a profound sense of hope and defiance. Posthumously celebrated as a national heroine in Israel, her life and writings continue to inspire generations with courage and compassion.

Alexander Dubček was born in 1921 in Uhrovec, Slovakia, and joined the Communist Party after World War II. Rising through the ranks, he became First Secretary of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia in January 1968. Dubček introduced a series of liberalizing reforms known as the Prague Spring, promoting freedom of speech, press, and political pluralism under the motto 'socialism with a human face'. His efforts aimed to democratize the one-party state without breaking away from the Warsaw Pact. In August 1968, Soviet-led forces invaded to suppress his reforms, and he was forced from power the following year. After the Velvet Revolution in 1989, Dubček briefly served as Chairman of the Federal Assembly. He died in a car accident in 1992, remembered as a symbol of resistance to authoritarianism.

Lieutenant General Alexander 'Sandy' Pearson was an Australian Army officer born in 1918. He served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Pearson commanded the 1st Australian Task Force in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. He later led the ANZUK force in Singapore during the mid-1970s. Pearson was awarded the Distinguished Service Order and appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire. After retiring in 1979, he continued contributing to military education and veteran causes. He passed away in 2012 at the age of 94, remembered for his strategic leadership and dedication.

Lincoln D. Faurer (1928-2014) was a lieutenant general in the United States Air Force. He served as Director of the National Security Agency from 1981 to 1985 during the Cold War. Faurer oversaw critical signals intelligence operations and modernization efforts. Earlier in his career, he held key positions in military intelligence and communications. Known for his strategic vision, he strengthened the NSA’s analytical capabilities. After retiring, Faurer remained active in veteran affairs and intelligence communities.

Born in 1921, Ri Ul-sol fought alongside Kim Il-sung as an anti-Japanese guerrilla. Rising through military ranks, he became Commander of the KPA General Staff and was promoted to marshal in 1995. A trusted confidant of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, Ri served on the Central Military Commission and the Supreme People's Assembly. He played a pivotal role in state ceremonies, including funeral commissions for North Korean leaders. His steadfast loyalty and military leadership left a lasting imprint on North Korea's power structure.

James R. Thompson Jr. was born in 1936 and graduated with an engineering degree before joining the U.S. Navy. He served as a naval officer, contributing to naval research and engineering projects. In 1986, Thompson was appointed as the fifth Director of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, where he oversaw major programs such as the development of the Hubble Space Telescope and Space Shuttle propulsion systems. Under his leadership, Marshall advanced critical aerospace technologies and maintained high standards of safety and innovation. He retired in 1994, leaving a lasting impact on America's space capabilities until his death in 2017.