January 10

Edward Boscawen (1711–1761), nicknamed 'Old Dreadnought', rose through the Royal Navy to become a celebrated admiral during the mid-18th century. He achieved fame for capturing the French ship 'Le Foudroyant' in 1758 and securing control of Minorca at the Battle of Lagos. Boscawen's leadership and aggressive tactics contributed significantly to British naval supremacy in the Seven Years' War. After his naval successes, he transitioned to politics and represented Truro in Parliament from 1742 until his death. His correspondence offers valuable insights into naval strategy and colonial affairs. Boscawen's career exemplified the close ties between military service and civic duty in Georgian Britain.

Born in 1780, Macedonski began his career in military service before engaging in Wallachian politics. He led troops during the 1821 uprising against Ottoman rule, advocating for national reforms. He collaborated with revolutionary groups seeking autonomy for the Romanian principalities. Following the revolt's suppression, he remained a vocal supporter of constitutional government. He served in various administrative roles, promoting military and civic modernization. His efforts influenced later movements toward Romanian independence.

Born in 1775, von Müffling entered the Prussian army and quickly rose through the ranks. He served as chief of the Prussian General Staff and advised on strategic operations against Napoleon. His diplomatic skills led him to accompany King Frederick William III at the Congress of Vienna. He authored influential works on military theory and tactics, shaping Prussian reforms. He was promoted to field marshal in recognition of his service to the state. He remained an advocate for a professional and modernized military until his death in 1851.

William 'Buffalo Bill' Cody (1846–1917) was an iconic American scout, soldier, and bison hunter. He earned his nickname by supplying buffalo meat to railroad workers and the U.S. Army. Cody gained international fame through his 'Buffalo Bill's Wild West' show, which toured Europe and America. His performances dramatized frontier life, cowboy skills, and Native American culture on stage. Buffalo Bill helped shape the legend of the American West in popular imagination. His show influenced perceptions of frontier history and entertainment worldwide.

Feliks Leparsky (1875–1917) was a Russian fencer and military captain. He competed in foil events at national fencing competitions in the early 20th century. Leparsky held the rank of captain in the Imperial Russian Army, balancing his athletic pursuits with military duty. His involvement in both sport and service exemplified the era's link between physical training and officer culture. While detailed records of his achievements are scarce, he was respected for his discipline and skill. Leparsky’s career reflects the traditions of martial sport in pre-World War I Europe.

Ali Fuat Cebesoy was a prominent Turkish military leader and politician active during the late Ottoman and early Republican periods. Born in 1882 in Constantinople, he graduated from military academy and served with distinction in the Balkan Wars and World War I. During the Turkish War of Independence, Cebesoy commanded vital fronts and supported Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's nationalist movement. After the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, he transitioned into politics, holding ministerial posts and serving as the 6th Speaker of the Grand National Assembly. He was known for his advocacy of political reforms and his commitment to the modernization of Turkey. Cebesoy's contributions to both military victories and parliamentary leadership left a lasting impact on the young republic.

Edward Williams was born in 1921 in Australia and served as a lieutenant and pilot in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II, taking part in key operations in the Pacific theater. After the war, he pursued legal studies and was called to the bar, building a distinguished career as a barrister. Williams was appointed to the Supreme Court of New South Wales, where he earned a reputation for fairness and integrity. His dual legacy in military service and the judiciary underscored his commitment to public duty until his death in 1999.

Born in 1924 in the Armenian diaspora, Gevork Vartanian was recruited by Soviet intelligence as a teenager. Undercover in Tehran, he uncovered Operation Long Jump, Hitler's plan to assassinate Stalin, Roosevelt, and Churchill at the 1943 Tehran Conference. His timely reports enabled Soviet and Allied security services to neutralize the threat. Vartanian continued his career in the GRU, rising to the rank of colonel and training a new generation of intelligence officers. He received the title Hero of the Soviet Union for his wartime service. Vartanian's contributions remained classified for decades before his story became known to the world. He died in 2012, celebrated posthumously for safeguarding Allied leadership.