February 03

Zhou Ben was born in 862 and rose from humble origins to become a trusted commander. He served under warlords of the late Tang dynasty and later the Yang Wu state during the Five Dynasties period. Zhou led successful campaigns to quash rebellions and defend territorial borders. Known for his incorruptible character, he refused rewards beyond his modest rank. He died in 938, remembered as a paragon of integrity and martial prowess.

Juan Bautista Cabral was a young sergeant in the Army of the Andes during the Argentine War of Independence. On February 3, 1813, he played a pivotal role at the Battle of San Lorenzo by rescuing General José de San Martín under heavy enemy fire. Despite being mortally wounded, Cabral's bravery became a symbol of sacrifice and national pride. He died soon after the battle but was immortalized in Argentine history and art. Monuments and place names across Argentina honor his legacy. Cabral's story continues to inspire commemorations of courage and patriotism.

Born in 1854 in the Orange Free State, Christiaan de Wet rose to prominence as a Boer commander during the Second Boer War. He became renowned for his masterful use of guerrilla tactics against British forces. After the war, he transitioned to politics, serving as State President of the Orange Free State from 1907 to 1914. He advocated reconciliation with the British Empire and worked to rebuild his homeland's institutions. De Wet was also a prolific writer, documenting his wartime experiences in several memoirs. He died in 1922, leaving a legacy as one of South Africa's most revered military and political figures.

Born in 1887 in Wisconsin, Marc Mitscher graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1906 and embraced naval aviation early in his career. He commanded the carrier USS Hornet during the Battle of the Philippine Sea, earning praise for decisive leadership. Mitscher's innovations in carrier tactics helped establish the effectiveness of air power at sea. He received multiple Navy Crosses for his actions in pivotal operations across the Pacific theater. Promoted to Admiral, he oversaw the development of carrier task forces that became central to US naval strategy. Mitscher retired shortly before his death in 1947, remembered as a key architect of modern naval aviation.

Born in 1895 in Russia, Vasily Blokhin joined the Red Army after the Russian Revolution and rose through the ranks of the NKVD. As head of the executioner unit, he personally supervised and conducted mass executions during the Great Purge and at Katyn. Blokhin is believed to have killed thousands of prisoners with a single firearm over multiple shifts. His actions made him one of history's most prolific individual executioners. After World War II, he was quietly removed from power and died in obscurity in 1955. Blokhin's legacy remains as a chilling example of state-sponsored terror.

William Morrison, 1st Viscount Dunrossil, was born in 1893 in Glasgow. He served as a naval officer in World War I before entering politics in Australia. Morrison rose through governmental ranks to become the 14th Governor-General of Australia in 1960. His tenure focused on fostering national unity and representing the crown with dignity. He held the title of Viscount and was respected for his leadership and public service. Dunrossil’s career bridged military service and high political office until his death in 1961.

Terence J. Hildner served over 30 years in the U.S. Army, specializing in special operations and intelligence. He commanded the 56th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade and later led NATO Special Operations Headquarters. Hildner was known for his strategic acumen and dedication to enhancing allied interoperability. He deployed multiple times to Afghanistan and Europe in leadership positions. His efforts strengthened intelligence-sharing and operational coordination among NATO forces. Hildner received numerous military honors, including the Legion of Merit and Bronze Star. He is remembered for his commitment to soldier welfare and mission excellence.

James P. Muri was born in 1918 and joined the United States Army Air Corps before World War II. As a lieutenant in the 17th Bombardment Squadron, he flew P-38 Lightning fighters in the Pacific Theater. In February 1942, Muri led a daring low-altitude attack on Japanese shipping at Atauro Island, destroying enemy vessels under intense fire. For his heroism and leadership during that mission, he received the Distinguished Service Cross. After the war, he continued serving in the Air Force Reserve and retired as a lieutenant colonel. Muri's actions exemplified extraordinary courage and helped inspire early Allied successes in the Pacific. He died in 2013, remembered as a decorated veteran whose bravery set a high standard for fighter pilots.