January 31

Bairam Khan (1501–1561) was a senior military commander and statesman during the establishment of the Mughal Empire in India. As regent for the adolescent Emperor Akbar, he managed court affairs and oversaw the administration from 1556 to 1560. He led Mughal armies to victory at the Second Battle of Panipat in 1556, securing imperial dominance over rival sultanates. Bairam introduced administrative reforms, standardized minting, and restructured provincial governance to strengthen imperial control. After Akbar assumed full power, Bairam retired from court but remained influential as a respected elder statesman. He died in 1561 while on pilgrimage, remembered as a founding architect of Mughal military and political structures.

Mariot Arbuthnot was born in Scotland in 1711 and rose through the ranks of the Royal Navy to become an admiral. He commanded British naval forces in North America during the American War of Independence. In 1776, he was appointed 12th Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, overseeing the colony's defense and administration. Arbuthnot participated in key naval battles, including operations off the New England coast. His diplomatic skills were tested as he negotiated with local officials and Indigenous allies. After his naval career, he served in the British Parliament as a politician. He died in 1794, remembered for his contributions to British naval strategy and colonial governance.

José Félix Ribas was born in Caracas in 1775 into a wealthy Creole family. He emerged as a key figure in the Venezuelan War of Independence, organizing militia forces against Spanish rule. In 1814, Ribas famously led a young army to victory at the Battle of La Victoria, earning him the title 'Father of the Young Patriots.' His strategic acumen and charismatic leadership inspired local populations to join the revolutionary cause. Despite facing overwhelming odds, Ribas's defense of La Victoria delayed Spanish advances. His contributions laid the foundation for subsequent victories in the independence struggle. He died in battle in 1815, becoming a national hero in Venezuela.

Alexander Ypsilantis was born in 1792 into a prominent Phanariot family in Constantinople. He served as a major general in the Russian army before devoting himself to Greek independence. As leader of the Filiki Eteria, a secret society seeking liberation from the Ottoman Empire, he launched a failed uprising in the Danubian Principalities in 1821. Though the revolt did not achieve immediate success, it ignited the Greek War of Independence. Ypsilantis's efforts rallied international support for the Greek cause and inspired future revolutionary leaders. He spent his final years in exile and died in Vienna in 1828. His legacy endures as a founding figure in modern Greek history.

Henri Gatien Bertrand was born in Châteauroux, France, in 1773. Rising through the ranks during the French Revolutionary Wars, he became one of Napoleon's most trusted aides. Bertrand commanded the Imperial Guard and played key roles in major battles such as Austerlitz and Leipzig. After Napoleon's abdication, he followed the emperor into exile on Elba and later to Saint Helena, providing unwavering loyalty and companionship. His memoirs offer valuable insights into Napoleon's final years. Elevated to Count of the Empire in 1808, Bertrand was also known for his strategic acumen and leadership. He passed away in 1844, remembered as a devoted soldier and confidant of Napoleon.

General Sir Arthur Ernest Percival (1887-1966) was a senior British Army officer best known for his command during the Malayan campaign in World War II. He oversaw the defense of Singapore but ultimately surrendered to Japanese forces in 1942, marking one of the largest surrenders in British military history. Percival's decision remains a subject of debate among historians. After his release in 1945 he served in various military posts before retiring in 1947. He died in Kent, England, remembered for his complex legacy.

Born in 1896 in Winnipeg, William Stephenson earned the nickname “Intrepid” for his daring intelligence work. As head of British Security Coordination in New York from 1940 to 1946, he oversaw covert operations across the Western Hemisphere. Stephenson helped establish secret radio stations and recruited agents to counter Axis influence in Latin America. His efforts were instrumental in strengthening US-UK cooperation before America’s entry into World War II. He received numerous honors, including the Order of the British Empire and the US Medal of Merit. His life inspired the character James Bond, and he left a lasting legacy in modern intelligence practices.

Francis Stanley 'Gabby' Gabreski was one of America's leading fighter aces in World War II and the Korean War. He flew P-47 Thunderbolts and P-51 Mustangs, achieving 28 confirmed aerial victories. After joining the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1941, he rose to command the 61st Fighter Squadron. His bravery and leadership earned him the Distinguished Service Cross and numerous other honors. Following his active duty, he continued to serve in the Air Force Reserve, shaping future generations of pilots.

Richard von Weizsäcker (1920–2015) was a German statesman and former army captain who served as the sixth President of the Federal Republic of Germany. Born in Berlin, he served in the Wehrmacht during World War II before pursuing studies in history and law. Elected President in 1984, he is celebrated for his memorable 1985 speech on the 40th anniversary of the end of World War II, promoting reconciliation. Prior to his presidency, he was Mayor of West Berlin and held seats in the Bundestag, shaping post-war German democracy. He championed human rights, European integration, and remembrance culture throughout his tenure. After leaving office in 1994, he remained active in public life, advising on international affairs and social issues.