August 28

Orestes was a Roman general and politician who seized control of the Western Roman Empire in 475. He installed his young son, Romulus Augustulus, as emperor after deposing Julius Nepos. His power grab exacerbated internal divisions and weakened the already fragile western provinces. In 476, Orestes was captured and executed by the Germanic chieftain Odoacer. His death marked a key event leading to the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

He Gui was a Chinese general who served during the late Tang dynasty and the Five Dynasties period. Born in 858, he rose through military ranks and earned a reputation for loyalty and tactical skill. He held key commands to defend the empire's northern borders during turbulent times. He navigated shifting allegiances amid dynastic changes and rebellions. He died on August 28, 919, and was remembered as a steadfast commander.

Francis Vere was a prominent English military leader who played a key role in the Dutch struggle for independence against Spanish rule. Serving as governor of Arnhem and commander of English troops, he earned respect for his tactical skill and leadership. Vere led successful campaigns at Nieuwpoort and Groningen, bolstering the Protestant cause in Europe. His disciplined approach to training and battlefield innovation influenced future military practices. Vere’s collaboration with figures like Maurice of Nassau strengthened Anglo-Dutch alliances. He died in 1609, remembered as one of England's most effective soldiers of his era.

Born around 1610, George Lisle served in the parliamentary army during the English Civil War. He rose to the rank of colonel and was known for his brave defense of key strongholds, including Banbury Castle. Lisle's leadership under fire earned him the respect of his fellow soldiers and superiors. Captured during the siege of Colchester, he was tried and executed in 1648. His steadfast loyalty to the parliamentary cause made him a symbol of military resolve. Lisle's sacrifice is remembered among those who fought to shape England's political future.

Born in 1613, Charles Lucas served as a royalist commander during the English Civil War. He fought in Flanders before returning to England to defend the royalist garrison at Colchester. After the town's surrender in 1648, Lucas was controversially executed by parliamentary forces, notwithstanding promises of clemency. His death provoked public outcry and inspired ballads mourning his fate. Lucas's staunch loyalty to King Charles I exemplified the royalist cause's dedication. His legacy endures as a poignant example of the war's brutal consequences.

Born in 1602 into a noble family, John Berkeley fought for the Royalist cause during the English Civil War and earned distinction at the Battle of Stratton in 1643. After the Restoration in 1660, he was created Baron Berkeley of Stratton and appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, where he administered the kingdom for King Charles II. Berkeley also held colonial and diplomatic roles, including governorships in Virginia and the Bahamas. His career reflected the shifting fortunes of the Stuart monarchy, and he remained an influential courtier until his death in 1678. He is remembered for his military leadership, political acumen, and contributions to the expansion of English influence overseas.

Born in 1740 to an aristocratic family, Adam Philippe, Comte de Custine served with distinction in the Seven Years' War before returning to military service during the French Revolution. He commanded French forces in the Rhineland, securing early victories against Prussian and Austrian armies. Political intrigue and accusations of leniency toward the enemy led to his arrest in 1793 amid the Reign of Terror. Condemned by the Committee of Public Safety, he was guillotined in Paris, his promising career cut short by revolutionary paranoia. Custine's life illustrates the turbulent intersection of noble heritage, military leadership, and radical politics in late 18th-century France.

Muhammad Naguib (1901–1984) was an Egyptian army officer and the first President of modern Egypt. A leader of the 1952 Free Officers Movement, he helped overthrow the monarchy of King Farouk. As President from 1953 to 1954, he worked to stabilize Egypt and introduce social reforms. He later fell out with his fellow revolutionaries and was placed under house arrest. Naguib remains a key figure in Egypt's transition to a republic and a symbol of early postcolonial leadership.

John Anthony Walker served as a U.S. Navy chief warrant officer specializing in signals intelligence. Between 1967 and 1985, he passed classified naval communications to the Soviet KGB in exchange for payments. His spy ring compromised decades of sensitive military codes and operations. Walker was arrested in 1985 when his espionage activities were uncovered by U.S. counterintelligence. He received a life sentence and died in prison in 2014. His betrayal highlighted vulnerabilities in military security during the height of the Cold War.