November 10

Zhao Yanshou emerged as a leading military figure under Later Tang, distinguished by his strategic acumen. Adopted by Emperor Li Siyuan, he secured key victories against rival warlords and managed the vital Wei Prefecture. His skill in both governance and warfare earned him the trust of successive rulers. In 944, political turmoil led him to defect to the Khitan-led Liao dynasty, where he served as a high-ranking official. Zhao died in 948, remembered for his complex legacy amid the era's shifting allegiances. His career exemplifies the blurred lines between loyalty and survival in medieval Chinese politics.

Born around 1540, Rich served as a soldier in Ireland under Queen Elizabeth I, gaining firsthand experience in warfare. He authored treatises on military tactics and the use of weaponry that were influential in Elizabethan England. Later in life, he turned to literature, writing romance novels, satires, and translations that showcased his versatility. His best-known work, Riche His Farewell to Militarie Profession, combined autobiography with social commentary. Rich's vivid narratives and practical manuals made him a notable figure in early English letters. He died in 1617, leaving behind a diverse body of work that bridged martial and literary traditions.

Serving the Adil Shahi Sultanate of Bijapur, Afzal Khan led military campaigns across the Deccan plateau. In 1659, he was tasked with subduing the rising Maratha chieftain Shivaji. The two met at Pratapgad Fort under a flag of truce, where Afzal Khan was ambushed and killed. His death marked a turning point in Shivaji's quest for independence and changed the balance of power in the region. Afzal Khan's tactics and dramatic demise became legendary in Indian military history. He is remembered for his bold leadership and the events that reshaped the Maratha-Bijapur conflict.

Fyodor Matveyevich Apraksin (1661–1728) was among the first admirals of the Russian Navy under Tsar Peter the Great. He played a leading role in creating and commanding the Baltic Fleet during the Great Northern War against Sweden. Apraksin's strategic vision and naval reforms were instrumental in establishing Russia as a maritime power. He oversaw major shipbuilding efforts and implemented training programs for officers and sailors. Serving also in key governmental positions, he helped shape early imperial policies and secure Russia's access to the sea.

Guy Carleton, 1st Baron Dorchester (1724–1808) was a distinguished British Army officer and statesman noted for his service during the American Revolutionary period. As Commander-in-Chief in North America, he led the defense of Quebec in the 1775–76 siege and orchestrated the evacuation of Loyalists from New York City. Appointed Governor of Quebec and later Governor General of Canada, he championed the Quebec Act of 1774 to secure the allegiance of French-speaking colonists. Carleton's policies of religious tolerance and legal protections for Catholics helped define Canada's early governance. His diplomatic skill and administrative reforms left a lasting legacy in Canadian history.

Henry Wirz (1823–1865) was a Swiss-born military officer who became infamous as the commandant of the Confederate prison at Andersonville, Georgia. Under his leadership, the camp suffered severe overcrowding, inadequate shelter, and widespread disease, leading to one of the highest mortality rates of any Civil War prison. Wirz was captured after the Confederacy's defeat and tried by a military tribunal for war crimes related to the treatment of Union prisoners of war. Convicted amid a contentious trial, he was one of the few Confederate officers executed for such offenses. His case remains a subject of historical debate over justice and accountability in wartime.

John E. Wool (1784–1869) was a career United States Army officer whose service spanned multiple major 19th-century conflicts. Commissioned during the War of 1812, he saw action on the northern frontier and against Native American tribes. He later led forces in the Black Hawk War and played a key role in the Mexican-American War, occupying Mexico City's outskirts before the war's end. During the Civil War, though in the later stage of his career, he commanded the Department of the East and oversaw coastal defenses. Wool's long and varied service earned him recognition as one of America's senior military leaders of his era.

Louis Gustave Binger was born in 1856 and pursued a career in the French colonial army. In 1887–1889, he led an expedition from Senegal to the Niger River, mapping unknown territories. His explorations helped France extend its influence in modern-day Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso. Binger documented ethnographic, geographic, and political observations in his published journals. He was promoted to general and later served as governor in several African colonies. He died in Paris in 1936, remembered for his contributions to French colonial exploration and African studies.

Born in 1881 in Thessaloniki, Mustafa Kemal excelled as a young officer in the Ottoman army. He rose to prominence during World War I, defending Gallipoli against Allied forces. After the Ottoman defeat, he organized the Turkish National Movement and led the War of Independence. In 1923, he abolished the sultanate, proclaimed the Republic of Turkey, and became its first president. Atatürk implemented sweeping reforms in law, education, language, and women's rights to secularize and modernize the nation. He served as president until his death in 1938, leaving a legacy of nationalism, reform, and modernization.

Jacques Chaban-Delmas was born in 1915 and distinguished himself early as a leader in the French Resistance during World War II, earning multiple honors for bravery. After the war, he embarked on a political career and served as Mayor of Bordeaux for almost 50 years, shaping the city's postwar reconstruction and development. In 1969, President Charles de Gaulle appointed him Prime Minister, where he introduced the ambitious “New Society” program aimed at modernizing French social and economic structures. His government pursued reforms in education, social welfare, and industrial policy, though some faced opposition from traditional conservative forces. Chaban-Delmas later served as President of the National Assembly and remained an influential voice in French politics. He passed away in 2000, leaving a legacy as one of the Fifth Republic's most respected statesmen and local leaders.

Peter J. Biondi was an American soldier and politician renowned for his commitment to serving others. Born in 1942, he served in the United States Army, where he developed leadership skills and a deep sense of duty. After his military career, Biondi transitioned into politics and was elected to a state legislative body. During his tenure, he focused on issues such as veterans affairs, education, and community development. He was respected by colleagues and constituents alike for his integrity, work ethic, and community-driven approach. Biondi passed away in 2011, leaving a legacy of service to both his country and his local community.

Josip Boljkovac was a Croatian soldier born in 1920 who later became a prominent political leader. After his military service, he played a key role in the establishment of Croatia's government and was appointed the first Minister of the Interior. In this position, he helped create foundational institutions for national security and law enforcement. Boljkovac also engaged in public affairs beyond his ministerial duties, contributing to civic organizations. His leadership during a pivotal era of national formation was marked by both praise and critical debate. He passed away in 2014, remembered for his influence on Croatia's early post-independence governance.