July 01

Born Liu Ji, he served as a chief adviser to the founding Hongwu Emperor and authored key military treatises that guided early Ming campaigns. As a high-ranking official, he oversaw civil administration and diplomatic missions. His poetic works blended Confucian, Taoist, and folk themes, earning him lasting fame as a literary figure. Liu Bowen's strategies and writings influenced Chinese historiography and military theory for centuries, cementing his reputation as a polymath of the early Ming era.

Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, served as commander of the French expeditionary army sent to support the American colonies. Arriving in 1780, he coordinated with General George Washington in a pivotal collaboration that culminated in the Siege of Yorktown in 1781. Rochambeau’s strategic insight and disciplined troops were instrumental in forcing British surrender, effectively ending major combat operations. Prior to his American service, he fought in Europe, earning a reputation for professionalism and leadership. After the war, he returned to France and continued his military career, eventually achieving the rank of Marshal of France. His legacy endures as a symbol of Franco-American friendship and military cooperation.

Adam Duncan, 1st Viscount Duncan, began his naval career as a young officer in the Royal Navy, serving in various conflicts around the globe. His most famous achievement came as commander of the North Sea fleet during the French Revolutionary Wars, where he secured British naval dominance by defeating the Dutch fleet at Camperdown. This victory prevented a potential invasion and bolstered British morale. Duncan’s leadership and tactical acumen earned him a peerage and widespread acclaim. He continued to serve with distinction until his retirement and left a legacy as one of Britain’s most skilled naval commanders. Monuments and place names in the United Kingdom honor his contributions to naval history.

Arthur Borton was born in 1883 and attended the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. He served on the Western Front during World War I with the Worcestershire Regiment. In 1916, he performed acts of conspicuous bravery under heavy fire, rescuing wounded soldiers and holding positions against the enemy, earning him the Victoria Cross. After the war, Borton continued his military career and rose to the rank of colonel before retiring in the 1930s. He remained active in veterans' affairs and was commemorated for his leadership and courage. Borton's Victoria Cross today symbolizes extraordinary sacrifice on the battlefield.

Sergey Sokolov (1911–2012) was a Russian marshal who served as the Soviet Union’s Minister of Defence. He had a distinguished military career, rising through the ranks during and after World War II. As Minister of Defence, he oversaw the armed forces during a critical period of the Cold War. His leadership was noted for strategic planning and organizational reforms. Sokolov’s contributions left a lasting impact on Soviet military policy.

Thomas Pearson (1914–2019) was a British Army officer whose career spanned several decades, including service during World War II. He held key command positions and contributed to training and organizational reforms within the Army. Known for his dedication and professionalism, Pearson earned respect from both superiors and subordinates. After retiring from active service, he supported veterans’ causes and military associations. His lifelong commitment to duty exemplified the values of the British armed forces.

Arnold Meri (1919–2009) was an Estonian Soviet army colonel and one of the few Baltic officers to receive the title Hero of the Soviet Union. He joined the Red Army in 1939 and led partisan units against Nazi forces during World War II, notably in the Battle of Porkuni. After the war, Meri held various military and government posts within the Estonian SSR. In 2008, he faced legal proceedings in Estonia over alleged war crimes, sparking national debate on historical memory and wartime conduct. Meri maintained that his actions were in defense of the Soviet Union and denied the charges. He passed away in 2009, leaving a complex legacy intertwined with Estonia’s turbulent 20th-century history.

Gerald Earl Miller (1919–2014) was a distinguished officer of the United States Navy who achieved the rank of vice admiral. He served aboard several vessels during World War II, including destroyers in the Pacific Theater. After the war, Miller held key leadership positions in naval aviation and carrier operations. He commanded the aircraft carriers USS Ranger and USS America and later served as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Air Warfare. Miller played a pivotal role in advancing carrier-based aviation tactics during the Vietnam War era. His career spanned over four decades, and he was awarded multiple honors for his service. He retired in 1979 and continued to consult on naval strategy until his passing in 2014.

Born in 1926, Mohamed Abshir Muse rose through the ranks of the Somali National Army after independence. As one of the country’s first senior officers, he played a key role in organizing and training military units. Known for his leadership and discipline, he advocated for professional standards and national unity. He maintained stability during pivotal moments in Somalia’s early history. His career influenced generations of Somali military officers. He passed away in 2017, remembered as a pioneering figure in his nation’s defense.

Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri was born in 1942 and became one of the most powerful figures in Saddam Hussein's regime. As a field marshal, he played a central role in the Iran-Iraq War and held the position of vice chairman of the Revolutionary Command Council. After the 2003 invasion of Iraq, he led elements of the Ba'athist insurgency, earning a reputation as a shadowy strategist. Known as the King of Clubs for his playing card codename, he remained at large for years before his reported death in 2020. His complex legacy continues to influence discussions on Iraqi politics and insurgent movements.

Maʻafu Tukuiʻaulahi (1955–2021) was a distinguished Tongan military officer and politician who served as Deputy Prime Minister in the Tongan government. Rising through the ranks of the Tongan Armed Forces, he earned respect for his leadership and commitment to national security. Transitioning to politics, Maʻafu took on ministerial responsibilities, focusing on defense modernization and community development initiatives. He was widely regarded for bridging military and civilian perspectives and for his dedication to public service. His unexpected death in 2021 prompted a nationwide outpouring of respect and remembrance.