October 09

Born in 1927, Moro joined the Italian resistance as a teenager, serving in the Garibaldi Brigades in her hometown of Milan. She carried messages, helped plan sabotage operations, and provided aid to fellow partisans behind enemy lines. In 1944, she was captured by German forces and subjected to interrogation and torture. Despite the hardships, Moro refused to betray her comrades, becoming a symbol of courage and sacrifice. She died at the age of 17, and her legacy is honored in Italy as a testament to youth resistance and patriotism. Memorials and schools bear her name, ensuring her story inspires future generations.

Born in 1892, Shirō Ishii graduated from medical school with a specialization in bacteriology. He rose through the ranks of the Imperial Japanese Army and was appointed head of Unit 731 in Manchuria. Under his command, the unit conducted lethal human experiments to advance biological weapons development. Ishii's research included testing plague, anthrax, and other pathogens on prisoners. After World War II, he avoided prosecution by sharing his findings with Allied authorities. He died on October 9, 1959, remaining a controversial figure in military and scientific history.

Born Émile Herzog in 1885, he served as an interpreter and liaison officer during World War I. After the war, he adopted the pen name André Maurois and published essays, novels, and biographies. His works included acclaimed biographies of Disraeli, Byron, and others, blending rigorous research with narrative flair. He was elected to the Académie Française in 1938, becoming a leading figure in French letters. Maurois continued writing throughout World War II and beyond, leaving a rich literary legacy until his death in 1967.

Walter Warlimont was a German general in the Wehrmacht who served as Deputy Chief of the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht (OKW) General Staff during World War II. He played a significant role in operational planning and was involved in strategic decision-making for major military campaigns. Warlimont was arrested after the July 20, 1944 assassination attempt on Hitler due to alleged knowledge of the plot, but he survived and later resumed his duties. Following Germany's defeat, he was convicted at the Nuremberg High Command Trial and sentenced to 20 years, though released early in 1954. He wrote memoirs recounting his experiences and military perspective. Warlimont died in 1976, remembered for his administrative influence on the German war effort. His legacy remains tied to the inner workings of the Nazi military command.

Emílio Garrastazu Médici was a Brazilian Army general who became the 28th President of Brazil, ruling from 1969 to 1974 during the country's military dictatorship. His tenure, known as the 'Brazilian Miracle,' oversaw rapid economic growth alongside severe political repression and censorship. Médici implemented policies that promoted industrialization and infrastructure development, significantly boosting the national economy. However, his government was also marked by human rights abuses and suppression of opposition. After leaving office, he withdrew from public life and rarely spoke about his presidency. Médici's legacy remains controversial, praised for economic achievements but criticized for authoritarian practices. He died in 1985, leaving a complex imprint on Brazilian history.

Patrick Anthony Porteous was a colonel in the British Army who received the Victoria Cross, the highest military honor for gallantry. Born in India to Scottish parents, he was commissioned into the Royal Scots Fusiliers during World War II. On November 1, 1944, near Tavoleto, Italy, he took command under heavy fire, rallying his men and repelling enemy attacks. His leadership and courage under intense bombardment earned him the VC. After the war, Porteous continued his military career, eventually retiring with the rank of colonel. He remained active in regimental associations and veterans’ affairs. Porteous died in 2000, remembered for his extraordinary valor and service.

Peter A. Peyser (1921–2014) was an American soldier turned politician who represented New York in the U.S. House of Representatives. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II before entering public service. Elected to Congress in 1970, Peyser was known for his independent stance and advocacy on urban and environmental issues. Throughout his legislative career, he worked on housing reform and federal support for cities. After leaving Congress, he remained active in civic causes and business ventures. Peyser was respected for his dedication to constituent service and bipartisan collaboration.