February 05

Count Leopold Joseph von Daun (1705-1766) was a prominent Austrian field marshal in the Habsburg monarchy. He achieved a decisive victory over Frederick the Great at the Battle of Kolin in 1757, marking the first major defeat of Prussia in the Seven Years' War. Daun introduced reforms to improve the training and organization of the Austrian army. He later served as president of the Hofkriegsrat, the imperial war council, influencing strategic planning. Known for his cautious yet effective tactics, he helped shape European military practices in the mid-18th century.

Pasquale Paoli (1725-1807) was a Corsican commander, politician, and leader of the Corsican Republic from 1755 to 1769. He authored the island's first democratic constitution and championed Enlightenment ideals of liberty and governance. Under Paoli's leadership, Corsica experienced a flourishing of political and cultural life, with the establishment of elected assemblies. Defeated by France in 1769, he spent years in exile before returning to Corsica in 1790 during the French Revolution. Paoli remains celebrated as the Father of the Corsican Nation for his enduring vision of republican government.

Johannes Blaskowitz was born in 1883 and rose to become a Generaloberst in the Wehrmacht. He led corps and army detachments in campaigns in Poland, France, and the Eastern Front. Blaskowitz reported on and protested against war crimes committed by SS units. After WWII, he was implicated in deliberations over war crimes trials but died before testifying. He is remembered for his complex legacy as a professional soldier who documented atrocities.

Gnassingbé Eyadéma (1937–2005) seized power in Togo through a military coup in 1967 and served as its president until his death, making him one of Africa's longest-serving heads of state. Originally joining the French colonial forces, he rose rapidly through military ranks before leading the coup. Under his authoritarian rule, Togo experienced political stability and infrastructure development but faced criticism for human rights abuses and suppression of dissent. Eyadéma navigated Cold War politics, maintaining ties with Western powers while consolidating domestic control. He played a key role in founding the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and promoted national unity projects. His controversial legacy continues to shape Togo's political landscape.

Thomas McGuigan was born in 1921 and served with distinction in the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force during World War II, earning the Military Cross. After the war, he became involved in local politics and was elected Member of Parliament for Hamilton West in 1969. As the 23rd Minister of Health under Prime Minister Norman Kirk, McGuigan introduced major reforms to expand public hospital services and health care access. He remained a vocal advocate for veterans’ welfare and community health initiatives throughout his career. McGuigan’s leadership helped modernize New Zealand’s health system and left a lasting impact on public policy before his death in 2013.

General Pervez Musharraf seized power in Pakistan through a bloodless coup in 1999, becoming Chief Executive and later the 10th President from 2001 to 2008. He aligned Pakistan with the United States after the 9/11 attacks and pursued economic liberalization and infrastructure projects. Musharraf's tenure was marked by both modernization efforts and controversies over civil liberties. Facing impeachment and legal challenges, he resigned in 2008 and spent his final years in self-imposed exile. His complex legacy continues to shape Pakistan's political landscape.