August 18

Ricimer was a high-ranking patrician and magister militum of Germanic descent in the mid-5th century. Born around 405, he served under multiple Western Roman emperors, effectively making and unmaking them through his military influence. He deposed Emperor Avitus and installed a series of puppet emperors, wielding de facto power without seizing the title himself. His strategic alliances and military prowess kept the empire afloat amid barbarian threats. Ricimer's death in 472 left a power vacuum that accelerated the empire's fragmentation.

Kim Yu-shin (595–673) was a celebrated military leader of the Silla kingdom during Korea's Three Kingdoms period. Serving under Queen Seondeok and King Muyeol, he forged an alliance with Tang China to conquer Baekje in 660 and Goguryeo in 668. His victories underpinned the unification of the peninsula and the establishment of Unified Silla. Admired for his tactical skill and loyalty, he became a national hero in Korean history. Kim died in 673, leaving a legacy of state-building and cultural integration.

Born into the prominent de Ros family in 1406, Thomas inherited the barony as its eighth holder. He was summoned to Parliament for his counsel on matters of the realm and regional governance. As a military commander, he participated in campaigns during the latter stages of the Hundred Years' War under King Henry VI. His responsibilities included safeguarding English territories in France and leading troops into battle. He died in 1430, remembered for his dedication to crown and country during a period of protracted conflict.

Ferramolino’s origins are not well documented, but he rose to prominence for his mastery of military engineering. He fortified key ports and cities such as Messina, Corfu, and Modena in response to evolving artillery threats. His designs incorporated early bastion concepts, helping transition medieval walls into trace italienne fortifications. Called to Malta in the 1540s, he strengthened defenses in anticipation of Ottoman sieges. He was killed in action in 1550, but his plans continued to influence European military architecture for decades.

William Cavendish (1640–1707) was an English aristocrat, military commander, and influential politician. As one of the Immortal Seven, he invited William of Orange to depose James II in the Glorious Revolution of 1688, shaping the course of British constitutional monarchy. Invested as the first Duke of Devonshire in 1694, he held the office of Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire and served in high government positions, including as Lord Privy Seal. Cavendish’s leadership in both military and political spheres contributed to the establishment of a balanced monarchy and parliamentary system in England.

Richard Savage (1660–1712), 4th Earl Rivers, was an English nobleman, military officer, and politician. He commanded cavalry regiments during the Nine Years' War and later held key posts in the royal household. As Lord Lieutenant of Essex from 1694, he oversaw local militia and county administration while serving in Parliament. Savage’s dual roles in military leadership and governance exemplify the responsibilities of England’s aristocracy at the turn of the 18th century. His tenure demonstrated a commitment to public service through both war and peace.

Born in Shusha in 1865, Ali-Agha Shikhlinski graduated from the Konstantinovsky Artillery School and joined the Imperial Russian Army. He distinguished himself during the Russo-Japanese War and World War I, earning high military honors for artillery command. After the Russian Empire’s collapse, Shikhlinski played a key role in organizing the Azerbaijani National Army during the Democratic Republic period. He later contributed to military education as an instructor at Soviet artillery academies, shaping future generations of officers. Known for his strategic insight and technical expertise, he authored influential manuals on artillery tactics. Shikhlinski passed away in 1943, commemorated as a pioneering figure in Azerbaijan’s military history.

Julien Lahaut (1884–1950) served in the Belgian Army during World War I before joining the Communist Party of Belgium. He rose to become party president and championed labor rights during the interwar period. Lahaut was a vocal critic of fascism and Nazi occupation in World War II. In 1950, he was assassinated amid Cold War political tensions. His death sparked national outrage and highlighted ideological conflicts in postwar Europe.

Born in 1897, Lindbäck-Larsen rose through the ranks of the Norwegian Army, demonstrating leadership and strategic insight. Following his military service, he devoted himself to the study of warfare and authored influential works on 20th-century conflicts. His research combined firsthand experience with archival expertise, earning him respect among both officers and historians. Through his publications, he provided detailed analyses of tactics and operational art, helping to bridge the gap between military practice and historical scholarship. His books remain key references in Norwegian military academies and beyond. Lindbäck-Larsen died in 1975, leaving a lasting imprint on the field of military history.

Hiram Leong Fong was the first Asian American elected to the United States Senate, representing Hawaii from 1959 to 1977. Born in 1906 in Honolulu, he served in the Hawaii National Guard before entering politics. Fong played a key role in Hawaii’s transition from territory to statehood. He was known for his advocacy of civil rights and economic development. After leaving the Senate, he continued to influence public policy and served on various boards. Fong passed away in 2004, remembered as a trailblazer for Asian American representation in government.

Michael Deaver was a key figure in Ronald Reagan’s White House, serving as Deputy Chief of Staff from 1981 to 1985. He played a crucial role in shaping the administration’s public image and communications strategy. Prior to joining the White House, he worked on Reagan’s California governorship and presidential campaigns. After leaving government service, Deaver co-founded a successful public relations firm. He authored memoirs and spoke frequently about political media and campaign management. Deaver died in 2007, remembered for his influence on modern presidential politics.

Gordon Faber was an American politician and former soldier, best known as the 39th Mayor of Hillsboro, Oregon. Born in 1930, he served in the U.S. military before entering local politics. As mayor, he championed economic development and infrastructure improvements, guiding the city through a period of rapid growth. He focused on building community parks, improving transportation, and fostering partnerships with local businesses. Faber's leadership left a lasting legacy in Hillsboro's transformation into a major technology hub. He passed away in 2014 at the age of 83.