November 20

Xu Wen rose from military commander to de facto ruler of the Yang Wu state in southern China during the early 10th century. After the collapse of the Tang dynasty, he maneuvered to control the throne, installing puppet rulers while maintaining real power as regent. He organized provincial administration and defended his territories against rival states. His governance laid the foundation for the Wu regime's prosperity and stability. Xu's life exemplifies the era's tumultuous politics and the rise of military strongmen.

Born in 1595 into the influential Potocki family, he rose through military ranks to become Field Crown Hetman. He led Polish forces during conflicts with the Cossacks and the Ottoman Empire in the early 17th century. Potocki commanded troops at the pivotal Battle of Berestechko in 1651 against the Cossack uprising. His leadership combined strategic skill with controversial measures that drew criticism. In addition to his military career, he held high political offices and vast estates. Mikołaj Potocki died in 1651, leaving a complex legacy as a key figure in Polish military history.

Tom Horn (c. 1860–1903) gained fame as a U.S. Army scout during the Apache Wars. He later served as a Pinkerton detective, tracking outlaws across the Western frontier. Horn was also a professional marksman and horsebreaker, earning both admiration and controversy. Accused of murder in Wyoming, he was convicted on disputed evidence and executed by hanging. His life story reflects the complex and often violent era of American westward expansion.

John Jellicoe, 1st Earl Jellicoe, was a distinguished Royal Navy officer who served as Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Fleet during World War I. His leadership at the Battle of Jutland in 1916, the largest naval engagement of the war, showcased his strategic caution and concern for fleet preservation. Promoted to First Sea Lord after the war, Jellicoe oversaw naval policy during a period of disarmament and modernization. He later served as Governor-General of New Zealand, strengthening Imperial ties and public institutions. Ennobled for his service, Jellicoe's career exemplified professionalism and dedication to his country. His writings on naval tactics continued to influence maritime strategy for decades.

I Gusti Ngurah Rai was born in 1917 in Bali and became a key figure in Indonesia's struggle for independence. As a captain in the Indonesian army, he organized guerrilla units to resist the reoccupation efforts of the Dutch after World War II. In 1946, he led the Puputan Margarana, a last-stand battle in Bali, demonstrating his commitment to national freedom. Although he fell in battle, his leadership inspired widespread support for independence. Ngurah Rai was posthumously honored as a National Hero of Indonesia, and Bali’s airport bears his name in tribute to his sacrifice.

Vasilisk Gnedov was a pioneering poet associated with the Futurist movement of the early 20th century. He served in the Imperial Russian Army during a time of great social upheaval. Gnedov pushed the boundaries of poetic form, creating one-line and blank-page poems that challenged traditional literary conventions. His most famous work featured an entirely blank page to convey the limits of language. Though his published output was limited, his bold innovations influenced generations of modernist writers. Gnedov's legacy endures as a testament to the power of minimalist artistic expression.