November 12

Philippe du Plessis was elected Grand Master of the Knights Templar around 1201, overseeing both the military and financial affairs of the order. He fortified key castles in the Holy Land and negotiated alliances with crusader states and regional rulers. Under his leadership, the Templars amassed significant wealth and independence, acquiring estates across Europe. Philippe balanced martial operations with diplomatic efforts, maintaining the order's reputation as a disciplined fighting force. His tenure saw the Templars play a central role in the Fifth Crusade. He died in 1209 and was succeeded by Guillaume de Chartres, leaving a legacy of organizational strength and expansion.

Appointed to command naval forces along the eastern coast, Zhang Jing led successful campaigns against wokou pirate incursions. He advocated reforms in troop training and shipbuilding to strengthen maritime defenses. His strategic use of riverine tactics improved supply lines and coastal fortifications. Under his leadership, the Ming navy expanded its capabilities and secured vital trade routes. He remains remembered for his contributions to military organization and defense in mid-16th century China.

Emerging as a skilled cavalry commander under Francis I, Montmorency was captured at the Battle of Pavia and later regained favor. Under Henry II, he was appointed Constable of France and oversaw military operations in Italy and Picardy. He negotiated key treaties with England and Spain, balancing alliances in a turbulent diplomatic landscape. As a patron of the arts and architecture, he enriched French cultural life alongside his military duties. His nearly six-decade career left an indelible mark on the development of France's royal army and administration.

A cousin of Sir Francis Drake, Hawkins led several expeditions to West Africa and the Spanish Main, pioneering English privateering. He introduced innovative ship design and gunnery techniques that improved speed and firepower of naval vessels. As Treasurer of the Navy under Elizabeth I, he implemented reforms to professionalize the fleet and dockyard operations. He commanded squadrons against the Spanish Armada in 1588, earning a reputation for bold tactics. His contributions to naval architecture and organization were instrumental in the rise of the Elizabethan navy.

Thomas Fairfax, 3rd Lord Fairfax of Cameron (1612-1671), was a leading English general in the Civil War. He commanded the New Model Army to decisive victories at battles like Naseby. Known for his integrity, he refused to sign the death warrant of King Charles I. After the war, he served as Lord Lieutenant of Essex and stewarded his estates. He withdrew from public life following the Restoration and died in 1671.

Juan Ramón Balcarce (1773-1836) was a key figure in Argentina's struggle for independence. As a general, he led campaigns against Spanish royalist forces in the early 19th century. He briefly held the post of supreme director of the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata. In 1820, he was elected the 6th Governor of Buenos Aires Province, overseeing civil reforms. His leadership helped stabilize the young nation before political unrest led to his retirement.

Roque González Garza was born in 1885 and emerged as a key figure in the Mexican Revolution, rising to the rank of general in the revolutionary forces. He briefly served as Acting President of Mexico in early 1915 during a tumultuous period of factional struggles. González Garza implemented reforms aimed at stabilizing the government and promoting land redistribution for peasant communities. After his presidency, he continued to hold various military and political positions, advocating for constitutionalism and social justice. His leadership during the revolution and presidency left an imprint on Mexico’s transition to modern governance before his death in 1962.