January 10

Louis of Nassau was born in 1538 as a member of the House of Nassau. He played a key role in the early uprisings of the Eighty Years’ War against Spanish Habsburg rule. As a military commander, he led forces in pivotal engagements such as the Battle of Heiligerlee. Louis collaborated closely with his brother, William of Orange, to secure support for the revolt. He demonstrated both tactical skill and a commitment to religious freedom for Protestant Dutch provinces. Louis was killed in battle in 1574, becoming a martyr for the Dutch independence cause. His efforts helped lay the foundation for the establishment of the Dutch Republic.

Louis François de Boufflers was born in 1644 into a prominent French aristocratic family. He rose through the military ranks to become a Marshal of France in 1703. Boufflers is celebrated for his strong defense of the city of Namur in 1692 during the Nine Years’ War. He also distinguished himself in the War of the Spanish Succession, leading French forces in Flanders. Known for his tactical skill, he balanced bold assaults with strategic fortifications. His loyalty earned him the title of Duke of Boufflers and favor at the court of Louis XIV. Boufflers died in 1711 leaving a reputation as one of France’s most capable commanders.

Michel Ney rose from humble origins to become one of Napoleon Bonaparte's most daring and respected Marshals. He was known for his fearless leadership at battles such as Eylau and Waterloo. Ney earned the nickname 'Le Rougeaud' for his bravery and red-faced demeanor. After Napoleon's fall, he initially pledged allegiance to the restored monarchy but rejoined Napoleon during the Hundred Days. Following the final defeat at Waterloo, Ney was tried and executed for treason. His legacy endures as a symbol of loyalty and military prowess in the Napoleonic era.

Frank James was born in 1843 in Missouri and served as a soldier for the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. After the war, he joined his brother Jesse in a series of daring bank and train robberies across the Midwest. As a member of the James–Younger Gang, Frank became notorious for his outlaw exploits and ability to evade capture. He surrendered in 1882, was tried and acquitted, and lived quietly afterward operating a shoe store and giving lectures about his life. His complex legacy blends wartime service with criminal infamy until his death in 1915.

Ramón Corral was born in 1854 and pursued a military career in the Mexican Army, rising to the rank of general. He aligned with President Porfirio Díaz and entered politics as a prominent member of the ruling Científico circle. Elected Vice President of Mexico in 1904, Corral supported infrastructure projects, educational reforms, and modernization efforts during the Porfiriato. He resigned in 1911 amid the outbreak of the Mexican Revolution and withdrew from public life. Corral died in 1912, remembered as a key figure in the late Díaz administration and Mexico's pre-revolutionary politics.

Grand Duke Peter Nikolaevich of Russia was born in 1864 as a member of the Romanov dynasty. He served as a general in the Imperial Russian Army during World War I. As president of the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society, he supported charitable and religious missions. Following the Russian Revolution, he led White Russian volunteer forces against the Bolsheviks. He spent his later years in exile, working to aid Russian refugees across Europe. His life exemplified the struggles of the imperial family during turbulent times.

Melchior Wańkowicz fought in the Polish Legions during World War I and the Polish-Soviet War, experiences he later transformed into compelling literary works. Born in Warsaw, he became one of Poland's most influential journalists and authors in the interwar period. Wańkowicz's books, such as 'Bitwa o Monte Cassino' and 'Luxury and Everyday Life in Poland,' combined eyewitness reportage with a lyrical narrative style. He co-founded the weekly magazine 'Tygodnik Ilustrowany,' shaping public discourse on Polish history and culture. During World War II, he documented Polish forces abroad, earning respect for his patriotic commitment. After the war, Wańkowicz wrote for state press under the communist regime while preserving his distinctive voice. His contributions to journalism and literature remain celebrated in Poland today.

Albert Jacka enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at the outbreak of World War I and quickly distinguished himself at the Gallipoli campaign. On May 19, 1915, he single-handedly led a counter-attack to retake Turkish trenches, becoming the first Australian to earn the Victoria Cross. After recovering from wounds, Jacka served with distinction on the Western Front, rising to the rank of captain. He received multiple honors for his leadership and bravery under fire. Following the war, Jacka became active in veterans' organizations and briefly served as a municipal councilor. His wartime diaries and letters provided a vivid account of soldiering in the trenches. Jacka died in 1932, remembered as one of Australia's most celebrated military figures.

Della H. Raney was born in 1912 and became one of the first African-American women to serve as a flight nurse in the United States Army Air Corps. She was commissioned during World War II and provided critical aeromedical evacuation services for wounded soldiers. Raney's dedication and skill helped improve survival rates and set new standards for military medical care. After the war, she continued her service, training and mentoring future generations of Army nurses. Her career broke racial and gender barriers in the U.S. military. Raney retired in the late 1950s but remained active in veteran affairs and nursing organizations. She passed away in 1987, remembered as a trailblazer in military medicine.

Born in 1920, Roberto Marcelo Levingston was a career Army officer who rose through the ranks in Argentina. As a general, he played a significant role in the country’s military during the 1960s. In June 1970, he was appointed President by the ruling military junta during a period of political instability. Levingston pursued economic reforms and attempted to curb inflation, but faced opposition from within the regime. His presidency was marked by tension between hardliners and reformists in the government. A year later, he was deposed by his own military colleagues in February 1971. After leaving office, Levingston withdrew from public life and passed away in 2015. His brief tenure remains a notable chapter in Argentina’s complex political history.