January 21

Liu Zhijun was a prominent military commander in northern China following the fall of the Tang dynasty. He served under the Later Liang regime, leading critical campaigns to defend and expand its borders. Praised for his expertise in cavalry tactics, he secured victories that shaped regional power struggles. However, shifting alliances and court intrigues marred his career. In 918, he was accused of disloyalty and executed, ending his military tenure abruptly. His life reflects the era's volatile politics and the fate of powerful generals.

An Chongrong held the position of military governor under the Later Jin dynasty, commanding forces in a strategic region of northern China. He led campaigns to secure his circuit’s borders against rival warlords and nomadic incursions. His assertive approach and growing influence drew suspicion from the central court. Accusations of rebellion culminated in his arrest and execution in 942. His downfall highlights the precarious nature of military power during the Five Dynasties era. He is remembered as a capable leader whose ambitions ultimately led to his demise.

Yang Tan served as a military commander and governor during the Later Jin dynasty, overseeing a strategic circuit on China’s northern frontier. He was responsible for both the defense of borderlands against invasions and the civil administration of his jurisdiction. His tenure was marked by efforts to strengthen local defenses and improve governance. Admired for his disciplined troops and pragmatic policies, he maintained relative stability in his region. He died in 945, and his leadership left a legacy of effective frontier management. His career exemplifies the dual military and administrative roles of regional governors in medieval China.

Ahmed Muhtar Pasha was born in 1839 and rose through the ranks of the Ottoman army, distinguishing himself during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–78. He held various high military commands and was known for his strategic acumen and reforms. In 1919, he was appointed as the 277th Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire, leading the governing council during a period of great turmoil. Despite the collapse of traditional structures after World War I, he advocated for the modernization of the military and administrative systems. His tenure was marked by efforts to stabilize the empire and negotiate with occupying powers. He died on January 21, 1919, and is remembered for his dual legacy as a military leader and statesman.

George W. Goethals was born in 1858 in Brooklyn, New York, and graduated second in his class from West Point in 1880. As a civil engineer in the US Army, he served in various posts before being appointed chief engineer and governor of the Panama Canal Zone in 1907. Under his leadership, the Panama Canal was completed two years ahead of schedule, overcoming severe engineering challenges and tropical diseases. He was promoted to brigadier general in recognition of his accomplishments. After the canal's opening in 1914, Goethals continued to serve as Governor of the Panama Canal Zone. He later worked on American infrastructure projects and held executive roles in industry. Goethals died on January 21, 1928, and is celebrated for his visionary management and engineering expertise.

Charles Goodell (1926–1987) began his public service as a Navy lieutenant during World War II before pursuing a legal career in New York City. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1964 and appointed to the Senate in 1968, championing civil rights, environmental protection, and moderate social reforms. Goodell’s independent stance often put him at odds with party leadership during the Vietnam War era, reflecting his commitment to principle over politics. After narrowly losing re-election in 1970, he continued to influence public policy through legal advocacy and advisory roles. Goodell’s dedication to integrity and civic duty left a lasting impression on American governance.

Born in 1956, Idema served in the U.S. military before launching a private security career in war zones. He gained infamy for leading unauthorized anti-terrorism missions in Afghanistan, claiming to capture Taliban fighters. In 2004, he was arrested by Afghan authorities and convicted of kidnapping, torture, and unlicensed military activity. His flamboyant media appearances and self-styled persona drew widespread criticism and legal scrutiny. Sentenced to over ten years in prison, he continued to fight extradition and maintain his version of events. He died under mysterious circumstances in a Mexican prison in 2012, cementing his reputation as a mercurial and controversial figure.