March 17

Born into a low-ranking samurai family, Toyotomi Hideyoshi served under Oda Nobunaga and played a crucial role in his military campaigns. After Nobunaga's death, Hideyoshi avenged his lord and seized power, completing the unification of Japan by 1590. He implemented land surveys, disarmed rival samurai, and instituted administrative reforms to stabilize the realm. Hideyoshi also launched ambitious invasions of Korea in 1592, though these campaigns ultimately failed. As Kampaku (regent) to the emperor, he wielded de facto rule, promoting tea ceremonies and the arts. His legacy endures through iconic monuments like Osaka Castle and the foundations of modern Japanese governance.

Robert Douglas began his military career by joining the Swedish army during the Thirty Years' War, quickly distinguishing himself in battle. He was ennobled as Count of Skenninge for his bravery and strategic acumen. Douglas served as Colonel of the Royal Guard and later as Field Marshal, leading Swedish forces in key engagements. His close relationship with Queen Christina granted him significant influence at court, where he navigated both military and political challenges. After Christina's abdication, he continued to serve Sweden as a diplomat and military governor. Douglas left a lasting impact on Swedish military tradition before his death in 1662.

Lachlan McIntosh emigrated to Pennsylvania in his youth and later moved to Georgia, where he became a prominent planter and militia officer. During the American Revolution, he served as a brigadier general in the Continental Army and played a key role in the defense of Savannah in 1779. McIntosh's rivalry with Button Gwinnett led to a duel in which Gwinnett was killed, impacting Georgia's revolutionary leadership. After the war, he served in various political offices, including as a state senator in Georgia and an alderman in Savannah. McIntosh advocated for frontier interests and veterans' rights, influencing early American policies. He died in 1806, remembered for his military service and civic contributions.

Michael "Mad Mike" Hoare began his military career as an officer in the British Indian Army during World War II. He later served as a mercenary commander in various African wars, most notably the Congo Crisis in the 1960s. Hoare earned a reputation for bold leadership and unconventional tactics, leading the famed 5 Commando unit. His exploits were chronicled in his memoirs and inspired films such as "The Wild Geese". Despite controversy over his actions, Hoare remained a legendary figure in the history of private military operations. He spent his later years living in Ireland before passing away in 2020.

Born in Safed during the British Mandate, Meir Amit joined the Haganah at a young age and fought in Israel's War of Independence. He rose through the ranks of Israel's defense establishment to become the director of Mossad from 1963 to 1968, overseeing key intelligence operations. Amit later entered politics, serving in the Knesset and as Minister of Communications. His strategic acumen and commitment to national security left a lasting impact on Israel's military intelligence community. After retiring from public service, he wrote memoirs reflecting on his storied career. Amit is remembered as a visionary leader who shaped Israel's intelligence capabilities.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Irwin earned a master's degree in aeronautical engineering at the University of Michigan. Selected by NASA in 1966, he flew aboard Apollo 15 in 1971, conducting three moonwalks in the Hadley–Apennine region and collecting lunar samples. He logged over 295 hours in space and six hours on the lunar surface. After leaving NASA, Irwin founded the High Flight Foundation and became an evangelical speaker, sharing spiritual reflections on his lunar experience. He remains remembered for his contributions to space exploration and his legacy as one of the few humans to walk on the Moon.

Born in Chicago in 1936, Mattingly graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and became a naval aviator. He was originally slated to fly on Apollo 13 but was grounded by measles, narrowly avoiding the mission's crisis. Mattingly later served as the lunar module pilot on Apollo 16, exploring the Moon's highlands. He commanded Space Shuttle missions STS-4 and STS-51-C, showcasing shuttle capabilities in research and national security. Promoted to Rear Admiral, he became Chief of the Astronaut Office, shaping crew training and mission planning. His leadership and resilience advanced NASA's human spaceflight program during its formative years. Mattingly retired in 1996 after a distinguished career spanning both the Navy and NASA.

Wang Jin-pyng (born March 17, 1941) is a Taiwanese politician and former military officer with a career spanning several decades. He has held numerous leadership positions, most notably serving as President of the Legislative Yuan from 1999 to 2016. Wang began his public service after graduating from the Republic of China's Military Academy and serving in the Army. Transitioning to politics in the 1980s, he was elected to the Legislative Yuan and quickly rose through the ranks of the Kuomintang. During his tenure as presiding officer, he was known for promoting cross-strait dialogue and legislative reform. Wang has been recognized for his consensus-building approach and efforts to modernize Taiwan's parliamentary procedures. He remains an influential figure in Taiwanese politics and a veteran lawmaker respected across party lines.

Born in 1945, Michael Hayden is a retired four-star general in the United States Air Force. He served as Director of the National Security Agency (NSA) from 1999 to 2005, overseeing significant intelligence operations post-9/11. In 2006, he became the 20th Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), a position he held until 2009. Hayden was instrumental in shaping U.S. surveillance policies and the debate on balancing security with civil liberties. After retirement, he has been a prominent analyst and commentator on national security, serving on corporate boards and think tanks.