November 14

James Birdseye McPherson was a senior officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Graduating first in his class from West Point in 1853, he served under General Ulysses S. Grant and later under William T. Sherman. Promoted to major general at just 33 years old, he commanded the Army of the Tennessee in key campaigns. McPherson distinguished himself at the Siege of Vicksburg and the Atlanta Campaign. He was fatally shot by a Confederate sharpshooter during the Battle of Atlanta in 1864. Widely respected by both friend and foe, he was commemorated with monuments and place names across the United States.

Gregorio del Pilar was one of the youngest generals in Philippine history, rising to prominence during the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. Born in Bulacan, he initially studied priesthood before joining the Katipunan movement. Del Pilar distinguished himself at the Battle of Quingua and was promoted to general at the age of 22. In 1899, he led a small force to hold Tirad Pass against overwhelming American troops, buying time for President Emilio Aguinaldo’s retreat. He was killed in action, and his sacrifice made him a national symbol of courage and patriotism. Del Pilar’s legacy endures in monuments, schools, and Philippine historiography.

Park Chung Hee was born in 1917 and rose through the military to seize power in a 1961 coup. He became President in 1963, spearheading rapid industrialization known as the Miracle on the Han River. Under his authoritarian rule, South Korea experienced unprecedented economic growth and modernization. He implemented land reforms, infrastructure projects, and export-driven policies that transformed the nation. Critics note his regime’s suppression of political dissent and human rights violations. He remained in power until his assassination in 1979, leaving a controversial but lasting legacy.

Mary Greyeyes-O’Brien was born in 1920 and enlisted in the Canadian Women’s Army Corps in 1942. As the first First Nations woman in the Canadian Armed Forces, she trained recruits and served as a role model. She broke racial and gender barriers, challenging stereotypes in wartime Canada. After World War II, she worked with veteran organizations and advocated for Indigenous rights. Her service inspired future generations of Indigenous soldiers. She passed away in 2011, honored for her pioneering contributions to the military.