November 12

Johan Rantzau (1492–1565) was a renowned German general who served Christian III of Denmark. Born in Holstein, he rose through military ranks due to his tactical skill and leadership. He played a decisive role in the Count's Feud, securing key victories such as the Battle of Øksnebjerg. Rantzau introduced organizational reforms that strengthened the Danish army and advanced the Protestant Reformation. In his later career, he advised the Danish crown as a trusted statesman and privy councillor. His contributions shaped the military and political landscape of 16th-century Northern Europe.

Qi Jiguang (1528–1588) was a distinguished Chinese general of the Ming Dynasty, celebrated for defending the eastern seaboard against wokou pirates. He reorganized coastal defenses, introducing rigorous training methods and the famous 'Mandarin Duck Formation'. Qi authored military treatises such as the 'Ji Xiao Xin Shu', which codified his strategies and became classics in military science. Under his command, previously vulnerable regions achieved lasting stability and security. His leadership, discipline, and tactical innovations influenced both Chinese and later global military thought. Qi's legacy endures in military academies and popular culture as a symbol of strategic brilliance.

Francis Nicholson was a prominent British Army officer who played a key role in colonial administration in the early 18th century. He served as lieutenant governor of Virginia, Maryland, Nova Scotia, and South Carolina, influencing colonial governance. His reforms aimed to strengthen military defenses and promote economic growth in the colonies. Nicholson championed the establishment of local assemblies and improved infrastructure, including roads and ports. His tenure left a lasting impact on the development of British North America. After his Caribbean service, he returned to England and remained active in military planning until his death.

Edward Vernon rose to fame as an aggressive Royal Navy admiral during the War of Jenkins' Ear. He commanded the expedition against Porto Bello in 1739, securing a celebrated victory that boosted his reputation. As Commander-in-Chief of the Jamaica Station, he enforced strict discipline and improved naval efficiency. Vernon's naval reforms influenced later British naval doctrine. He later served as a Member of Parliament, where he advocated for naval affairs and colonial interests. His legacy endures in naval history and popular culture through his nickname 'Old Grog'.

Louis Antoine de Bougainville was a distinguished French nobleman and naval officer. He became the first Frenchman to circumnavigate the globe between 1766 and 1769, enhancing France's maritime prestige. His scientific expedition collected numerous botanical, zoological, and ethnographic observations. The plant genus Bougainvillea was named in his honor by botanist Philibert Commerson. After his return, he served with distinction as an admiral during the American Revolutionary War. His voyages inspired future exploration and contributed to the Enlightenment's scientific curiosity.

Gerhard von Scharnhorst was a pioneering military leader and strategist in the Prussian army. After his experiences in the French Revolutionary Wars, he championed sweeping reforms to Prussia's military structure. He introduced the general staff concept, promoting merit-based officer selection and professional training. As Prussian Minister of War, he abolished corporal punishment and improved soldiers' welfare. His reforms laid the groundwork for Prussia's military successes in the 19th century. Scharnhorst's ideas continue to influence modern military organization and staff systems.

Maximilian von Weichs was born in 1881 in Munich, Germany. He served in the Bavarian Army during World War I and remained in the Reichswehr between wars. During World War II, he commanded Army Group B on the Eastern Front and in the Balkans. Weichs oversaw complex operations including the siege of Sevastopol. He was later transferred to command in Western Europe before retiring in 1943. Post-war, Weichs was detained by Allied forces but never tried for war crimes. He died in 1954, remembered as a skilled if controversial military leader.

John Francis 'Jack' Reed is an American politician and veteran who has represented Rhode Island in the United States Senate since 1997. Prior to his political career, Reed served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army from 1971 to 1973, achieving the rank of First Lieutenant. He earned a Rhodes Scholarship to study at Oxford University after graduating from Harvard University, where he also played college football. In the Senate, Reed has been a leading voice on national defense, foreign policy, and veterans’ affairs, serving on the Senate Armed Services Committee. He sponsored legislation to improve military readiness and support military families. Reed is known for his bipartisanship and deep understanding of defense matters, having traveled extensively to oversee U.S. military operations abroad. His long tenure and expertise have made him a respected figure in American politics.