November 09

Born in 1666 into Swedish nobility, Armfeldt rose through the ranks of the army to become a general. He played a key role in campaigns in Finland and the Baltic region under King Charles XII. After the disastrous Battle of Poltava, he led a retreat through harsh winter conditions that decimated his forces. Armfeldt’s leadership during the Great Northern War earned him both criticism and respect for his resilience. Elevated to the title of friherre (baron), he continued to serve in high military office until his death. He died in 1736 and is remembered for his complex legacy as a wartime commander.

Bernhard von Langenbeck was born in 1810 and studied medicine at the University of Kiel. He became a leading surgeon and professor at the University of Berlin, where he introduced innovative surgical techniques and instruments. As chief surgeon of the Prussian army, he organized field hospitals and improved medical care during the First Schleswig War, Austro-Prussian War, and Franco-Prussian War. His emphasis on systematic medical training and antiseptic principles influenced generations of surgeons, including Joseph Lister. Langenbeck's contributions earned him the reputation of a founder of modern military surgery before his death in 1887.

Ambrose Powell Hill was born in 1825 in Virginia and graduated from West Point in 1847. He served with distinction in the U.S. Army before resigning to join the Confederate forces in 1861. Hill commanded a light infantry division and later a corps under General Robert E. Lee, participating in key battles such as Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Gettysburg. His aggressive leadership and rapid troop movements earned his unit the nickname 'Light Division'. Hill was killed at the Battle of Petersburg in 1865, leaving a reputation as one of the Confederacy's most capable commanders.

Sir Peter Lumsden was born in 1829 and joined the Bengal Engineers in 1848. He played a key role in the Second Sikh War and later served as a commissioner and commander on the challenging North-West Frontier. In 1884 he led the British delegation to Afghanistan during the Panjdeh Incident, helping to manage tensions with Russia. Lumsden also served as Quartermaster-General in India and later as Governor of Gibraltar, where he oversaw military and civil affairs. His career exemplified Victorian military leadership and imperial service until his retirement and death in 1918.

Generalmajor Dietrich von Choltitz commanded the German garrison in Paris during World War II. In August 1944, he refused Hitler's directive to demolish the city's landmarks and bridges. His decision prevented massive cultural and civilian losses. After Paris's liberation, he was held as a prisoner of war by the Allies. Choltitz authored memoirs recounting his wartime experiences. He served in both World Wars and was decorated for bravery. He died in 1966, honored for his role in preserving Paris.

Viktor Brack was a German SS-Sturmbannführer born in 1904. As a close associate of Philipp Bouhler and Adolf Hitler, he helped design and implement the T4 euthanasia program. Brack oversaw mass killings of disabled and mentally ill patients under the guise of mercy. He later played a role in the organization of the Final Solution. Captured after World War II, he was tried and convicted at the Doctors' Trial in Nuremberg. Brack was executed in 1948 for crimes against humanity.

Martha Settle Putney served as one of the first African American women officers in the Women's Army Corps during World War II. She dedicated her academic career to researching and documenting the contributions of black women soldiers, publishing seminal works on their roles and challenges. As a professor at Howard University, she inspired generations of students in the fields of history and African American studies. Putney also consulted on numerous projects to ensure that the stories of minority service members were recognized in mainstream military histories. Her scholarship shed light on underrepresented voices and paved the way for further study in social and military history. Beyond her publications, she was a respected educator who emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusion. Her work remains a cornerstone for understanding the full scope of American military service.

Thomas Ferebee served as the lead bombardier on the B-29 bomber Enola Gay, which dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, he rose to the rank of colonel in the U.S. Air Force. Ferebee meticulously calculated the release point to ensure mission success while minimizing unintended damage. After World War II, he continued his military career, holding various command and staff positions. Though he rarely spoke publicly about the mission, he defended it as a necessary measure to end the war. Ferebee retired in 1964 and worked in private industry, but his wartime role remained central to historical discussions of nuclear warfare. His contributions are studied in military history and ethics courses around the world. He died in 2000, leaving a complex legacy tied to one of history's most consequential events.

General Choi Hong Hi was a key figure in modern martial arts as he helped formalize and systematize taekwondo in the mid-20th century. Born in 1918, he served in the South Korean military and integrated karate techniques into a new Korean martial art. In 1955, Choi named and promoted taekwondo, emphasizing kicking techniques and disciplined footwork. He founded the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) in 1966, supporting global dissemination of the art form. Choi authored numerous manuals and jeongyo, laying the technical foundation for modern taekwondo. Despite political and organizational disputes later in life, his influence on martial arts is undeniable. He traveled extensively, teaching and officiating demonstration teams. Choi's legacy endures in the millions who practice taekwondo and in its recognition as an Olympic sport.