November 10

Born in 1565, Robert Devereux succeeded as the 2nd Earl of Essex and became a close confidant of Queen Elizabeth I. He led military campaigns in Ireland but struggled with political rivals at court. In 1601, his frustration culminated in the Essex Rebellion, an attempted coup against the Queen's advisors. The uprising failed, and he was arrested and executed for treason at age 35. His dramatic rise and fall exemplify the volatile nature of Elizabethan court politics.

Louis, Prince of Condé, was born in 1668 into the illustrious House of Bourbon-Condé. He inherited his title and upheld his family's martial reputation by leading troops in key campaigns of the late 17th century. As governor of Burgundy, he oversaw civil administration in one of France's major provinces. Although overshadowed by his famous ancestor, the Grand Condé, he maintained influence at the court of Louis XIV. His career blended battlefield command with diplomatic service. He died in 1710, preserving the Condé legacy during an era of absolute monarchy.

Andrés Avelino Cáceres was a distinguished Peruvian military leader and politician of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He earned the nickname 'Brujo de los Andes' for his guerrilla tactics against Chilean forces in the War of the Pacific. As President of Peru, he implemented infrastructure projects and sought to stabilize the economy. He served three non-consecutive terms from 1886 to 1904, navigating political turmoil and foreign debt. Cáceres remains celebrated as a national hero for his defense of Peruvian sovereignty and his contributions to state-building.

Born in Munich in 1906, Josef Kramer joined the SS and rose through the ranks to become the commandant of Auschwitz and later Bergen-Belsen concentration camps. He was notorious for his brutal treatment of prisoners and strict enforcement of camp regulations. His leadership was marked by severe punishments, forced labor, and inhumane living conditions. Following the liberation of Bergen-Belsen, Kramer was arrested, tried, and convicted of war crimes. He was executed in 1945, leaving a legacy as one of the most infamous figures of the Nazi regime.

Charles Merritt was born in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, in 1908. He served in the Royal Canadian Army during the Siege of Malta, where he led his platoon through heavy enemy fire to rescue wounded soldiers. For his extraordinary bravery and leadership under fire, he was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military honor in the Commonwealth. After the war, Merritt transitioned into politics, representing Kamloops as a Member of Parliament from 1953 to 1958. He advocated tirelessly for veterans’ rights and regional development. Merritt’s legacy endures as both a decorated war hero and a dedicated public servant.

Born Leon Lech Beynar in 1909, Paweł Jasienica served as an officer during the 1939 Defensive War in Poland. After World War II, he became a prominent journalist for Tygodnik Powszechny and began writing popular histories. His acclaimed series on the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth combined rigorous scholarship with accessible prose. Jasienica’s works brought Poland’s past to a broad audience and remain influential in historical studies. He also lectured at universities and contributed to underground publishing under Communist rule. Jasienica died in 1970, leaving behind a rich legacy of historical writing.

Born in 1919 in the Altai region of Russia, Mikhail Kalashnikov served as a tank commander in World War II. After being wounded, he began work on designing a reliable infantry rifle, resulting in the iconic AK-47. Adopted by Soviet forces in 1949, the AK-47’s durability and simplicity made it ubiquitous worldwide. Kalashnikov later achieved the rank of lieutenant general and continued to refine his designs. His invention left a profound impact on military armaments and global conflict.

Michael Strank was born in Czechoslovakia in 1919 and immigrated to the United States as a child. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1939 and served with distinction in the Pacific Theater. On February 23, 1945, Strank helped raise the American flag atop Mount Suribachi, captured in Joe Rosenthal’s famous photograph. He was killed in action just days later, at the age of 25. Strank’s bravery and legacy endure as symbols of courage and sacrifice.

Lieutenant General Vaughn O. Lang served over three decades in the United States Army, including command of the U.S. Army Infantry Center at Fort Benning. He played strategic roles during the Vietnam War, overseeing training and operational readiness of infantry units. Lang’s leadership emphasized the integration of new tactics and technology, contributing to modernization efforts. After retiring, he consulted on defense and military strategy, sharing his expertise with government agencies. His career earned him numerous military honors, reflecting his dedication to service and innovation.

W. E. B. Griffin (1929–2019), born William E. Butterworth III, was an American author and former soldier. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War before turning to writing. Under his pen name, he wrote best-selling military fiction series such as The Corps and Brotherhood of War. His meticulous attention to military detail and engaging storytelling captivated readers for decades. A prolific writer, he sold millions of books and influenced the genre of military fiction.

Ronald E. Evans (1933–1990) was an American naval pilot, engineer, and astronaut. After earning a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Kansas, he joined the U.S. Navy and became a naval aviator. Selected by NASA in 1966, he served as command module pilot for the Apollo 17 mission, logging over 300 hours in space and conducting critical lunar experiments. Evans retired from NASA and the Navy in 1977, later working in aerospace management and academia. His contributions to space exploration helped advance our understanding of lunar science and spaceflight operations.

Bachir Gemayel (1947–1982) was a Lebanese militia commander and politician during the Lebanese Civil War. As leader of the Lebanese Forces, he transformed the group into the dominant Christian military faction. In August 1982, Gemayel was elected President of Lebanon, symbolizing hope for national unity. He was assassinated before his inauguration, an event that escalated violence in Beirut. Gemayel's blend of military leadership and political vision continues to provoke debate in Lebanon. He remains a controversial and pivotal figure in modern Lebanese history.