January 07

Israel Putnam (1718–1790) was a fearless soldier and farmer who became a major general in the Continental Army. At Bunker Hill in 1775, he inspired troops with the order 'Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes,' rallying them to stand against superior British forces. Earlier, he gained frontier warfare experience in the French and Indian War. Putnam often clashed with political superiors over strategy, reflecting the young nation’s evolving military command. After the war, he retired to Connecticut, where he became a folk hero celebrated in portraits and popular ballads for his bravery and leadership.

Born in Fife, Scotland, Elphinstone joined the Royal Navy as a young man and rose through the ranks. He distinguished himself during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, commanding blockades and escort duties in the English Channel and Atlantic. His victories included the capture of Dutch colonies and the defence of British trade routes. In recognition of his service, he was created Baron Keith and later Viscount Keith. After retiring from active duty, he served as a Member of Parliament and was appointed Lord Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight. His strategic acumen and dedication to duty made him one of the leading naval commanders of his era.

A veteran of Mexico's wars of independence, Paredes rose through the military ranks and became a key figure in conservative politics. In January 1846 he seized power in a coup against President José Joaquín de Herrera and was sworn in as President. His administration coincided with the outbreak of the Mexican–American War and faced significant territorial and financial crises. Paredes advocated for a centralist government and greater military control, but his policies and the military setbacks undermined his support. He resigned in December 1846 and withdrew from public life, dying in exile a few years later. His short tenure is remembered for its role in the events leading to Mexico's loss of territory.

Sir Wilmot Hudson Fysh was born in 1895 and served as a pilot in the Australian Flying Corps during World War I. In 1920, he helped establish Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services (Qantas), which became Australia’s national airline. As managing director and later chairman, Fysh oversaw Qantas’s expansion into international routes and navigated the challenges of early aviation. His leadership earned him a knighthood and secured his reputation as a pioneer in airline history.

Kim Jong-pil was a prominent South Korean military officer turned politician. He played a key role in the May 16 coup of 1961 that brought Park Chung-hee to power. He founded the Korean Central Intelligence Agency and served as its first director. Kim served three terms as Prime Minister between 1971 and 1998 and was a major figure in South Korean politics for decades. He founded the New Democratic Republican Party in 1987 and later merged it into the United Liberal Democrats. Known for his strategic acumen and political resilience, he remained influential until his death in 2018.