February 09

Born in 1533 as the eldest son of Shimazu Tadayoshi. Succeeded as head of the Shimazu clan and expanded its territory in Kyushu. Defeated rival clans to establish Satsuma's regional supremacy. Resisted Toyotomi Hideyoshi's unification campaigns until forced to submit. Retired in 1587 and became a Buddhist monk, guiding his successor. Died in 1611, remembered for his leadership and military acumen.

Born in 1666 to a Scottish aristocratic family. Distinguished himself in the Williamite War in Ireland and the War of the Spanish Succession. Created Earl of Orkney by Queen Anne in recognition of his service. Commanded Anglo-Dutch forces in Flanders and negotiated alliances. Advocated for veteran welfare and military reforms. Died in 1737, remembered for his leadership and reforms.

Born in 1711 in Liérganes, Cantabria. Joined the Spanish Navy and rose through the ranks with distinction. Appointed commander of the fortress of San Juan de Ulúa in Havana. Led a valiant defense against the British siege in 1762. Died from wounds sustained during the conflict but inspired national pride. Honored posthumously as one of Spain's naval heroes.

Born in 1748, Sir John Duckworth began his naval career in 1761. He rose through the ranks, commanding ships during the American Revolutionary War and the French Revolutionary Wars. In 1807, Duckworth led the British fleet at the Battle of San Domingo, securing a decisive victory over the French. He was appointed Commodore Governor of Newfoundland in 1810, overseeing colonial defenses and fisheries. Renowned for his strategic acumen, Duckworth played a key role in protecting British interests in the Atlantic. Created a baronet in 1813, he retired to England where he continued to influence naval affairs until his death in 1817.

Born in 1773 in Virginia, William Henry Harrison gained fame as an army officer on the northwest frontier. He led U.S. forces to victory at the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811, earning the nickname 'Old Tippecanoe.' Harrison served as the first governor of the Indiana Territory, negotiating treaties with Native American tribes. He later represented Ohio in both the U.S. House and Senate before becoming Secretary of War. In 1840, Harrison won the presidency with the largest popular vote margin to date. His inaugural address set records as the longest in history, but he died of pneumonia just a month into his term. Harrison's brief presidency ushered in the 'Log Cabin Campaign' style of American politics.

Silas Adams was an American military officer, lawyer, and politician born in 1839. He served as a colonel in the Union Army during the American Civil War, leading troops in several engagements. After the war, he studied law and began practicing as an attorney, building a reputation for fairness and diligence. Adams later entered politics, advocating for veterans' rights and compensation measures. He navigated the complex Reconstruction-era landscape, balancing legal and public service roles. He died in 1896, remembered for his dedication to his country both on the battlefield and in civic life.

Born in 1859 in Ogaki, Akiyama Yoshifuru studied military tactics in France before returning to Japan to modernize the Imperial Army's cavalry units. He commanded cavalry forces with distinction during the Russo-Japanese War, earning praise for his leadership at the Battle of Mukden. After the war, Akiyama served as an instructor at the Army Staff College, shaping future military leaders. His reforms and strategic insights transformed Japan's mounted troops into a formidable force. Recognized as the father of Japanese cavalry, he influenced military doctrine until his death in 1930.

William O. Darby established the 1st Ranger Battalion, later known as Darby's Rangers, modeled after British commandos. He led his troops in key operations in North Africa and Sicily, demonstrating the effectiveness of elite light infantry. Promoted to brigadier general, Darby continued to shape special operations tactics and training. He remained committed to his men until his death in an airplane crash in Italy in 1945. His legacy endures in the U.S. Army Ranger School and the elite units that followed.