August 21

Tang Daoxi was a military commander and court official in the late Tang dynasty who rose to prominence under Emperor Zhaozong. He gained the emperor’s trust and was appointed to key military governorships. Tang played a central role in the power struggles between eunuchs and warlords at the imperial court. His strategic acumen helped defend the capital region against rival factions. However, his growing influence also made him a target in the volatile politics of the era. He was ultimately killed in 913, and his death marked a turning point in the decline of central Tang authority.

Philippe Villiers de L'Isle-Adam was born in 1464 into a Breton noble family and devoted his life to the Knights Hospitaller. He was elected Grand Master in 1521, inheriting a vulnerable Rhodes besieged by Sultan Suleiman’s forces. Under his leadership, the knights withstood the Ottoman siege from 1522, inflicting heavy casualties and forcing a negotiated evacuation. Despite yielding Rhodes, L'Isle-Adam secured new bases for the order in Malta, ensuring its continued role in Mediterranean defense. His strategic vision preserved the Hospitaller legacy during a time of Ottoman expansion. He died in 1534, remembered as a stalwart defender of Christendom’s frontier.

Jean Parisot de Valette was born around 1495 into a noble family in southern France and joined the Knights Hospitaller as a young man. He was elected Grand Master in 1557 and faced the greatest test of his rule during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. Valette personally organized the island’s defenses, rallied defenders, and oversaw the construction of key fortifications like Fort Saint Elmo. His resolute leadership turned back Ottoman forces, preserving Malta as a bastion of European power. In gratitude, he founded the city of Valletta on the island’s peninsula, which still bears his name. He died in 1568, leaving a legacy as one of the order’s most celebrated leaders.

Born in 1599 into the prominent Grey family, he inherited the title of 1st Earl of Stamford. During the English Civil War, Grey commanded Parliamentarian forces in several key engagements. He was known for his steadfast opposition to King Charles I and his organizational skill on the battlefield. Following the war, he managed his estates and family affairs during the Commonwealth period. After the Restoration, he maintained his status through careful political navigation. Henry Grey's military and political career exemplifies the complexities of 17th-century English nobility.

Born in 1661, William Cleland joined the Covenanter forces defending Presbyterianism in Scotland. He fought bravely at the Battles of Drumclog and Bothwell Bridge. Cleland's poetry, often satirical and humorous, critiqued political and religious issues of his time. His collection 'On the Scottish Reformation' showcases his wit and commitment to his faith. In 1689, he was killed leading troops at the Battle of Dunkeld, securing his legacy as both soldier and poet. Cleland's works remain a unique window into 17th-century Scottish history and literature.

Benjamin Thompson was born in 1753 in Massachusetts and served as a British officer during the American Revolution. After returning to Europe, he adopted the title Count Rumford and began pioneering research on heat and energy. His experiments on heat conduction and friction led to the concept that heat is a form of motion. Rumford's work challenged the caloric theory and influenced later scientists such as Joule and Carnot. He also founded the Royal Institution in London and established the first organized soup kitchen in Munich. His diverse contributions spanned physics, public welfare, and architecture. Thompson died in 1814, leaving a lasting legacy as a polymath of the Enlightenment era.

Charles Tristan, marquis de Montholon served in the French Army under Napoleon and was later appointed ambassador to various European courts. He joined Napoleon in exile on Saint Helena in 1815 and remained one of his closest confidants until the emperor's death in 1821. Montholon's loyalty and memoirs have provided historians with valuable insights into the final years of the Napoleonic era. Earlier in his career, he participated in key campaigns of the Napoleonic Wars, rising to the rank of general. His political acumen and diplomatic assignments after Napoleon's fall reflected his enduring influence in French affairs.

Juan Álvarez emerged as a regional leader during Mexico's War of Independence and continued to play a key role in national politics throughout his life. As Governor of Guerrero, he championed liberal reforms and resisted conservative forces loyal to Antonio López de Santa Anna. In 1855, Álvarez led a successful revolt that forced Santa Anna into exile and acted as interim President of Mexico. His short presidency paved the way for La Reforma, a period of liberal transformation that reshaped Mexican society and government. Although he stepped down after a few months, his influence endured through his support of progressive policies and education initiatives. Álvarez is remembered as a founding figure in modern Mexican liberalism.

Ma Xinyi rose through the Qing military ranks due to his success in campaigns against internal rebellions, most notably the Taiping Rebellion. As Viceroy of Liangjiang, he governed the wealthy provinces of Jiangsu, Jiangxi, and Anhui, implementing measures to restore order and revive local economies. Ma championed military modernization, organizing disciplined regional forces equipped with Western firearms. His integrity and strict enforcement of anti-corruption policies earned him respect among officials and civilians alike. Despite his achievements, Ma was assassinated in 1870, a crime shrouded in political intrigue. His tenure is often cited as a high point in late Qing administrative and military efforts to stabilize the empire.

Born Lev Davidovich Bronstein, Trotsky emerged as a prominent Marxist theorist and strategist during the 1905 and 1917 revolutions. As People's Commissar for Military Affairs, he organized and led the Red Army to victory in the Russian Civil War. A prolific writer and orator, he developed the theory of permanent revolution. After clashing with Stalin, Trotsky was expelled from the Communist Party and exiled. He continued to critique Stalinism until his assassination in Mexico City in 1940. His ideas remain influential in leftist thought.

Elizabeth P. Hoisington was one of the first two women to be promoted to Brigadier General in the U.S. Army. She began her service during World War II in the Women's Army Corps. Hoisington held key leadership roles in Europe and Asia, including commanding the 2nd WAC Training Center. She advocated for expanded roles for women in military service throughout her career. After retiring, she remained active in veterans' affairs and public speaking. Her trailblazing achievements paved the way for future generations of female officers. She received numerous military honors for her dedicated service and leadership.

Born in 1920, Georg Leber served as a soldier during World War II before entering politics. He was a member of the Social Democratic Party and held several cabinet positions. As Federal Minister of Defence from 1972 to 1978, he implemented major reforms in the Bundeswehr. Leber emphasized civilian oversight, modernization of armed forces, and improved soldier welfare. He later became Minister of Transport, championing infrastructure development. His leadership helped stabilize West Germany's defense posture during the Cold War. Leber remained active in political and veterans' organizations after his retirement.