May 14

Katakura Kagenaga was born in 1630 as a member of the esteemed Katakura family, hereditary retainers of the Date clan in Sendai. Known by the title Kojūrō, he served as a senior karō and played a key role in domain administration during a time of relative peace. Kagenaga was respected for his skill in military training and governance. He implemented policies that strengthened the domain's fiscal stability and social order. In 1681 he retired and passed his title to his heir. He died later that year, leaving a reputation as a capable and honorable samurai administrator.

Hans Joachim von Zieten was born in 1699 and joined the Prussian cavalry at a young age, rising to fame under King Frederick the Great. He led the Zieten Hussars, executing daring reconnaissance missions and raids during the War of the Austrian Succession. Zieten's tactical skill contributed to Prussian victories at battles such as Kolin and Leuthen during the Seven Years' War. He was promoted to General of Cavalry and honored with the Order of the Black Eagle for his service. Known for his aggressive cavalry tactics and loyalty, Zieten became one of Frederick's most trusted commanders. He retired in 1786 and died shortly thereafter, leaving a lasting impact on cavalry doctrine.

Born in Niederangelloch, List joined the Prussian Army in 1899 and served with distinction during World War I. He rose through the ranks to command the 2nd Army in the invasion of Poland in 1939. As head of Army Group South, he led operations in the Battle of France and the Balkans campaign in 1941. List was later appointed commander of Army Group A in the Caucasus before retiring in 1942. After the war, he was tried and convicted for war crimes but released in 1952, dying in 1971.

Born in 1887, Ants Kurvits played a pivotal role in establishing Estonia's defense forces after its independence. He served in the Estonian War of Independence and rose through the military ranks. As Minister of War, he oversaw the modernization of the armed forces and shaped national defense policy. Kurvits was known for his strategic vision and dedication to his nation's security. He died in 1943, leaving a lasting legacy in Estonian military history.

Born in Haripur in 1907, he began his career in the British Indian Army. After Pakistan's independence, he became Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army in 1951. In 1958 he led a bloodless coup and took office as President later that year. His government introduced land reforms and promoted industrialization across the country. He negotiated the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty with India, easing regional tensions. Widespread protests and economic challenges led to his resignation in 1969. He spent his final years writing memoirs and died in 1974.

Born Shu Maung, he rose in the Burmese independence movement and joined the military. In 1962, Lieutenant General Ne Win led a coup that brought him to power. As head of state, he instituted the Burmese Way to Socialism, nationalizing industries and isolating the country. His rule was marked by economic decline and suppression of political dissent. Ne Win survived multiple assassination attempts during his tenure. He formally became President in 1974 and ruled until 1981, though he remained influential afterward. He retreated from public life in the 1980s and died in 2002.

William James was born in 1930 and pursued dual careers in medicine and the military. He graduated from medical school before joining the Australian Army Medical Corps. As a general, he led medical detachments and field hospitals during conflicts in Southeast Asia. He implemented innovative battlefield medical protocols that reduced casualties. Promoted to high command, he shaped military medical training and doctrine. After retirement, he lectured and wrote on the history of military medicine. His contributions bridged clinical practice and military strategy, earning respect from both soldiers and physicians.

Herbert H. Jones was born in 1940 and commissioned into the British Army’s Parachute Regiment. As commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, he led his men during the 1982 Battle of Goose Green in the Falklands War. Under heavy enemy fire, Jones advanced to neutralize Argentine positions, an action that saved many lives. He was mortally wounded while repositioning his troops and died later that day. For his gallantry, he received the Victoria Cross, Britain’s highest military honor. Jones’s leadership and sacrifice are commemorated in regimental histories and memorials. His story symbolizes courage and duty under fire.

Donald R. McMonagle graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy and served as a fighter pilot before joining NASA in 1984. He flew on two Space Shuttle missions, including STS-66 in 1994, focusing on atmospheric and Earth science research. As a mission specialist and pilot, he contributed to studies of the Earth's ozone layer and climate systems. McMonagle later served as director of the Launch Integration Office, overseeing shuttle launch operations. His leadership and technical expertise helped advance international space exploration efforts.

Gulmurod Khalimov is a former Tajikistani police general born on May 14, 1975. He served as chief of Tajikistan's rapid reaction force and underwent counterterrorism training in the United States. In 2014, Khalimov traveled to Syria and assumed a senior military role within the Islamic State. His defection alarmed international security experts and highlighted regional vulnerabilities. He is reported to have died in combat or an airstrike, though his fate remains unconfirmed. Khalimov's story remains a stark example of a high-ranking officer joining extremist forces.