January 24

Liu Jishu served as a military general under the late Tang Dynasty. He commanded frontier troops and was involved in defending the empire against internal rebellions and external threats. Historical records of his early life and career are scarce. His actions reflect the turbulent period of decline and fragmentation at the end of the Tang era. He died in 901 amid the political upheaval that would soon lead to the dynasty's collapse.

Born in 1306, Richard FitzAlan became the 10th Earl of Arundel in 1326. He was appointed Admiral of the West and led naval expeditions against Brittany and France. FitzAlan also commanded troops on land, distinguishing himself in campaigns under King Edward III. Beyond his military roles, he held high court offices and administered his extensive estates. He died at Arundel Castle in 1376, remembered for his service to the English crown.

Samuel Argall was an English sea captain and colonist leader in the early 17th century. He captured Pocahontas in 1613, influencing Anglo-Powhatan relations. He served as Colonial Governor of Virginia from 1617 to 1619, overseeing administration and defense. Argall led naval expeditions in North America and the West Indies, asserting English presence. His actions shaped early colonial policy and impacted relations with Indigenous peoples.

Sir George Rooke was a distinguished admiral of the Royal Navy. He led the fleet that captured Gibraltar in 1704 during the War of the Spanish Succession. Rooke commanded naval operations in the Mediterranean and against French forces. He later served as First Lord of the Admiralty, shaping British naval policy and reforms. His leadership secured England's maritime dominance and influenced naval tactics for decades.

Stanley Lord (1877–1962) commanded the SS Californian on the night the Titanic sank in 1912. Despite seeing distress rockets, his ship did not respond in time, leading to a heated inquiry and lasting controversy. Lord spent years defending his decisions, but his legacy remains tied to one of maritime history's greatest tragedies. His story continues to captivate Titanic scholars and enthusiasts.

Sir Winston Churchill (1874–1965) led Britain through the trials of World War II with stirring speeches that rallied a nation. A decorated soldier, he also authored acclaimed histories, earning the 1953 Nobel Prize in Literature. His six-volume memoir The Second World War offers a definitive account of the conflict. Churchill's blend of political skill, literary talent, and unyielding courage made him one of the 20th century's most iconic leaders.

Alfredo Ovando Candía was born in 1918 in Sucre, Bolivia. A career military officer, he rose through the ranks to become Chief of the General Staff. In June 1969, Ovando led a bloodless coup that deposed President René Barrientos and assumed power. He served as head of state from 1969 to 1970 and again from 1970 to 1971, implementing reforms aimed at nationalizing key industries. His tenure saw increased state control of the economy and land redistribution efforts to benefit peasants. Ovando's rule was marked by political unrest, culminating in his resignation amid factional disputes. After leaving office, he remained an influential figure in Bolivian politics until his death in 1982.

Elie Hobeika was born in Ain Anbe, Lebanon, in 1956 and emerged as a leading figure in the Lebanese Forces militia. He played a controversial role in the 1982 Sabra and Shatila massacre, shaping his legacy. After the war, Hobeika transitioned to politics, serving as a Member of Parliament and defense minister. He engaged in negotiations aimed at national reconciliation amid Lebanon's turbulent landscape. On January 24, 2002, he was assassinated by a car bomb, a killing tied to his political entanglements. Hobeika’s life reflects the complexities and tragedies of Lebanon’s modern history.

Emiliano Mercado del Toro was born in 1891 in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1918, serving briefly during World War I. After the war, he returned to Puerto Rico and worked as a farmer and tradesman for most of his life. Following the death of another supercentenarian, he was recognized as the world's oldest living man in December 2006. He celebrated his 115th birthday in August 2006, becoming one of the oldest verified men in history. Toro’s longevity and humble life story inspired interest in aging and centenarian studies worldwide.

Otto Carius was one of Germany's most successful tank commanders during World War II. He is credited with destroying over 150 enemy tanks on the Eastern Front. He received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves for his achievements. After the war, he studied pharmacy and established a successful career as a pharmacist. Carius authored the memoir 'Tigers in the Mud', detailing his wartime experiences. His firsthand accounts remain key sources on armored warfare history.

Henry Worsley was an English Army colonel and polar explorer, part of the Special Air Service. He led expeditions to Antarctica and completed two solo, unsupported treks across the polar continent. In 2015, he attempted to follow Ernest Shackleton's route to raise awareness for charity. Worsley covered over 900 miles alone before suffering severe exhaustion and fatal peritonitis. He documented his journeys in writing and film, inspiring polar adventurers worldwide. His determination and respect for early explorers cemented his legacy in modern exploration history.

Rosemary Bryant Mariner was an American United States Naval Aviator and a pioneer among female military pilots. She joined the Navy in 1973 and became one of the first women to earn wings in the Naval Aviation program. Mariner flew A-4 Skyhawk and A-7 Corsair II jets operationally, serving aboard aircraft carriers. She commanded the first all-female squadron, Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 34, in 1990. Mariner retired as a Captain in 1997, advocating for expanded roles for women in combat aviation. Her legacy opened doors for future generations of female military aviators.