Khalid ibn al-Walid vs Li Shiji

Khalid ibn al-Walid took command of the Muslim army after the deaths of three previous commanders at Mu'tah. He successfully withdrew the army from a much larger Byzantine force, earning the title 'Sword of Allah' from Muhammad for his tactical skill.

Khalid led Muslim forces against the false prophet Musaylima at Yamama during the Ridda Wars. The battle was fierce, with heavy casualties on both sides, but ended in a decisive Muslim victory, crushing the rebellion in central Arabia.

Khalid ibn al-Walid led the Muslim siege of Damascus, capturing the city after a six-month campaign. The surrender terms allowed residents to pay tribute and retain their churches, setting a precedent for future conquests.

Khalid ibn al-Walid commanded the Muslim army against a large Byzantine force at the Yarmouk River. His tactical genius led to a decisive victory, resulting in the Muslim conquest of Syria and the permanent withdrawal of Byzantine power from the region.

Caliph Umar dismissed Khalid ibn al-Walid from his command, despite his military successes, to prevent excessive reliance on a single general and to assert caliphal authority. Khalid accepted the decision without protest and continued to serve as a soldier.

Li Shiji, serving under Li Jing, commanded a Tang army that defeated the Eastern Tujue forces at the Battle of Yinshan. He pursued the fleeing Tujue khagan and captured him. This victory contributed to the collapse of the Eastern Tujue Khaganate and expanded Tang influence.

Li Shiji led a Tang army against the Xueyantuo (Syr Tardush) Khaganate, which had risen to power after the fall of the Eastern Tujue. He defeated the Xueyantuo forces at the Battle of Nuozhen River, forcing their khagan to flee. This campaign secured Tang dominance in the steppe.

Li Shiji served as a field commander in Emperor Taizong's campaign against Goguryeo. He led the Tang army in the siege of Liaodong (modern Liaoyang) and captured the city. However, the overall campaign failed to conquer Goguryeo due to logistical difficulties and stiff resistance.

After Emperor Taizong's death, Li Shiji was appointed Grand Chancellor (Shangshu Zu Pushe) by Emperor Gaozong. He served as a key advisor and administrator, helping to maintain stability during the transition of power. He held this position until his death in 669.

Li Shiji, now in his 70s, commanded the Tang army that finally conquered Goguryeo. He led a combined land and naval force, capturing the capital Pyongyang and the last Goguryeo king. This victory ended the Goguryeo kingdom and brought its territory under Tang control.