November 08

Duan Ning emerged as a prominent military leader under the Later Liang dynasty during the early 10th century. He rose through the ranks due to his strategic acumen and was entrusted with leading expeditions against rival states. In 923, under the new Later Liang emperor, he launched a major offensive but suffered a crushing defeat that undermined his reputation. After the fall of Later Liang, Duan Ning continued to serve under the succeeding Later Tang regime. His later career was marked by power struggles at court, and he was eventually executed in 928 amid political intrigue. Duan Ning's life exemplifies the volatile dynamics of power and warfare in China's Five Dynasties era.

Natsuka Masaie (1562–1600) was a Japanese samurai and daimyō during the late Sengoku period. As a trusted retainer of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, he managed domains in Tanba Province and participated in key military campaigns. Following Hideyoshi’s death, Masaie sided with Ishida Mitsunari’s Western Army at the Battle of Sekigahara. After their defeat, he was besieged at Miki Castle and committed seppuku, reflecting the era’s strict code of honor. His life illustrates the turbulent power struggles of feudal Japan.

Witte Corneliszoon de With (1599–1658) was a prominent admiral in the Dutch navy during the 17th century. Born in Dordrecht, he earned fame for his aggressive tactics in the Eighty Years' War and the First Anglo-Dutch War. Serving alongside naval legends like Maarten Tromp and Michiel de Ruyter, he commanded fleets in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. De With was renowned for his stern leadership and outspoken demeanor, which sometimes led to conflicts with fellow officers. He died in action off the coast of West Africa, ending a career that helped shape Dutch maritime power.

Friedrich Wilhelm von Seydlitz (1721–1773) was a distinguished Prussian cavalry general who served under Frederick the Great during the Seven Years' War. Born into a military family, he quickly gained a reputation for his daring leadership and innovative tactics on horseback. Seydlitz played a pivotal role in the battles of Rossbach and Leuthen, where his decisive cavalry charges turned the tide in favor of Prussia. He introduced rigorous training methods and emphasized speed, surprise, and discipline among his troops. His successes earned him widespread acclaim and the admiration of his contemporaries. Despite his achievements, he later fell out of favor due to disagreements over military reforms and retired shortly before his death.

Colin Blythe was one of the finest left-arm spinners of his era, taking over 2,500 first-class wickets with Kent and playing 14 Tests for England. He made his county debut in 1899 and quickly became known for his exquisite flight and turn. In 1914 he enlisted in the British Army at the outbreak of World War I. Serving in the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, he was killed by artillery fire near Passchendaele in 1917 at age 38. His legacy endures as a pioneering cricketer whose life was cut short in service to his country.

Walter Nowotny joined the Luftwaffe in 1939 and quickly became one of its highest-scoring aces. He achieved 258 confirmed victories, mostly on the Eastern Front, earning the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves. In late 1944 he led a jet fighter squadron flying the Messerschmitt Me 262, pioneering jet combat tactics. On November 8, 1944, his aircraft was shot down near Altenburg, and he was killed at age 24. Nowotny's legacy endures in aviation history as a fearless and innovative pilot.

August von Mackensen rose through the Imperial German Army to become one of its most celebrated commanders. He led the victorious Austro-German forces at the Battle of Tannenberg in 1914. Mackensen later commanded troops on the Eastern Front and in the Balkans, earning the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross. In retirement, he remained a symbol of Imperial military tradition during the Weimar Republic and Nazi era. He died in 1945 at age 96, remembered for his tactical brilliance and flamboyant presence.

Born in 1911, Subroto Mukerjee came from a family with deep military roots and joined the Royal Air Force in 1930. He served with distinction during World War II, earning recognition for his leadership and tactical skills. In 1954, he became the first Indian to hold the position of Chief of the Air Staff, guiding the newly independent nation's air force. Under his command, the Indian Air Force modernized its fleet and training programs, laying the foundation for future growth. Mukerjee was a passionate advocate for indigenous aircraft development and strengthened India's strategic capabilities. His career was tragically cut short by a fatal flying accident in 1960, but his legacy endures in the annals of Indian military history.

Born in 1917 in Houston, Texas, David Westheimer served in the US Army infantry during World War II, experiencing frontline combat and prisoner-of-war camps in Europe. After returning home, he turned to writing and published Summer on the Water in 1948 to critical acclaim. His most famous work, Von Ryan's Express (1964), was adapted into a successful film starring Frank Sinatra. Westheimer also wrote screenplays and several other novels exploring wartime and post-war themes. His firsthand experiences as a soldier enriched his storytelling until his death in 2005.

Jack Levine served in the U.S. Army during World War II before pursuing a career in painting. He became a leading figure in social realism and Boston Expressionism, creating works that critiqued power, politics, and society. His bold compositions and sharp wit earned him exhibitions across the United States. Levine's art combined historical themes with modern social commentary, resonating with a wide audience. He influenced future generations of artists through his teaching and enduring body of work.

Emilio Eduardo Massera rose through the ranks of the Argentine Navy to become an admiral. In the mid-1970s, he became a senior leader of the country’s military junta, playing a decisive role in national politics. His tenure was marked by the implementation of Argentina’s National Reorganization Process. After his military service, he remained a controversial figure due to debates over the junta’s actions. Massera's influence on Argentine history continues to be studied by scholars of modern Latin America.

Luigi Gorrini was an Italian soldier and fighter pilot who served with distinction during World War II. He flew with the Regia Aeronautica and later the Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana, achieving 19 confirmed aerial victories. Gorrini earned multiple medals for valor, including the Medaglia d'Oro al Valor Militare. Known for his skill and daring tactics, he survived numerous missions over the Mediterranean and North Africa. After the war, he continued flying and shared his experiences in interviews and memoirs. Gorrini is remembered as one of Italy's top aces and a symbol of wartime heroism.