February 07

Lü Bu was a leading warlord and general in the waning years of the Eastern Han Dynasty. Renowned for his extraordinary strength and horsemanship, he was often called the 'Flying General'. His volatile loyalties saw him betray warlords Dong Zhuo and others to further his own power. Despite his martial prowess, his lack of political foresight led to isolation among potential allies. In 199, the forces of Cao Cao captured and executed him. Lü Bu's life and reputation endure in Chinese literature and folklore as an archetype of both heroism and hubris.

Stephen served as the Marshal of the Armenian Kingdom during the 12th century. In his role, he commanded the armoured cavalry and organized the kingdom's defenses against neighboring powers. His leadership contributed to Armenia's resilience amid regional conflicts involving Byzantines and Seljuk Turks. Though little personal documentation survives, chronicles praise his strategic acumen and loyalty to the crown. He is remembered for upholding Armenian sovereignty during tumultuous times. Marshal Stephen's career exemplifies the martial traditions of medieval Armenian nobility.

Born in 1546 to William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley, Thomas Cecil pursued military and political careers. He served in campaigns in the Netherlands and France and later represented various constituencies in Parliament. In 1605 he was elevated to Earl of Exeter and appointed Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire. He patronized local infrastructure projects and maintained county militias during times of unrest. Cecil's blend of martial experience and administrative skill reflected the Tudor aristocracy's responsibilities.

Born in 1797 in Mexico City, Paredes joined the independence struggle and rose rapidly through the military ranks. In 1845, he became president after leading a coup against President José Joaquín de Herrera. His conservative administration faced escalating tensions with the United States over Texas, setting the stage for the Mexican-American War. Paredes introduced measures to strengthen the army but faced opposition from liberals. He was deposed in 1846 amid political turmoil and retired from public life. He died in 1849, his presidency remembered as a pivotal moment before national crisis.

Born in 1841, Halford immigrated to the United States and joined the Navy as a young man. He earned the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions in 1870 when the USS Saginaw sank off the coast of Alaska; he navigated a small boat on an arduous journey to seek help. His leadership and endurance under extreme conditions saved the lives of his shipmates. Rising to the rank of lieutenant, Halford continued to serve with distinction through multiple naval assignments. He retired after decades of service, remembered for his heroism and dedication to duty. His story remains a testament to bravery at sea.

Born in 1874, Kolchak graduated from the Naval Cadet Corps and distinguished himself in hydrographic surveys and Arctic exploration, charting parts of the Kara Sea. He served with prominence in the Russo-Japanese War and World War I, earning a reputation for strategic skill. In 1918, he assumed leadership of the anti-Bolshevik White forces and declared himself Supreme Ruler of Russia, striving to restore order amid the civil war. Despite early successes, his forces were eventually overwhelmed, and he was captured and executed in 1920. Kolchak's life bridged scientific discovery and military command, making him a complex and controversial figure in Russian history.

Josef Mengele (1911–1979) was an SS officer and physician at the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. Appointed as camp doctor in 1943, he earned the nickname 'Angel of Death' for selecting prisoners for gas chambers and performing unconsented medical experiments. His research targeted twins, dwarfs, and other prisoner groups, often causing permanent harm or death. Mengele held doctorates in anthropology and medicine but abandoned ethical standards in service to Nazi racial ideology. After the war, he evaded capture and fled to South America, living in hiding for decades. Despite efforts by Nazi hunters to bring him to justice, Mengele died in Brazil in 1979. His crimes remain emblematic of the Holocaust’s atrocities.

Alfredo M. Santos (1905–1990) was a pioneering figure in the Philippine military, becoming the first native-born four-star general. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and served in various command roles throughout his career. Santos led troops during World War II in the Philippine resistance against Japanese occupation and played a vital role in postwar military reorganization. In 1964, he was appointed Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, overseeing modernization efforts and professional training. Recognized for his dedication to service, he received numerous military honors, including the Distinguished Service Star. After retiring, Santos remained active in veterans' affairs until his death in 1990. His legacy endures in the Philippine military’s structure and traditions.

Amos Yarkoni was an Arab-Israeli officer who served in the Israel Defense Forces for over three decades. He volunteered for the Palmach during Israel’s War of Independence and distinguished himself in reconnaissance missions. Yarkoni rose through the ranks to become one of the highest-ranking non-Jewish officers, attaining the rank of colonel. He was decorated for bravery and leadership, receiving multiple campaign and valor awards throughout his service. Known for his professionalism and commitment, he bridged cultural divides within the military. After retiring in 1974, he continued to advise on security and community relations. Yarkoni passed away in 1991, remembered as a trailblazer for minority service members in the IDF.