July 14

Otomo no Otomaro (731–14 July 809) was a leading general of the early Heian period. As a member of the Ōtomo clan, he distinguished himself in campaigns against the Emishi in northern Honshu. In 787 he was appointed Sei-i Taishōgun, making him the first to bear the title formally. He reorganized military forces and fortified northeastern provinces against rebellion. His leadership expanded imperial control over frontier regions. Otomo's career set precedents for the shogunate system that emerged in later centuries. He died in 809, leaving a legacy as a pioneering military official in Japanese history.

Richard de Clare (1222–14 July 1262) was the 6th Earl of Gloucester and a prominent English noble. He served as a military commander in campaigns in Wales and abroad. A wealthy landowner, he managed vast estates and played a key role in royal service under King Henry III. Richard's martial skill earned him respect among contemporaries and he was summoned to advise on matters of state. His loyalty was tested during the baronial conflicts that marked his era. He married Maud de Lacy, strengthening alliances with other noble families. Richard died in 1262, leaving his titles to his heirs and a legacy as a capable feudal lord.

Born in County Mayo in 1682, James O'Hara inherited the title of Baron Tyrawley and embarked on a distinguished military career. He served in the War of the Spanish Succession and the War of the Austrian Succession, earning recognition for his leadership and tactical skill. O'Hara was appointed Governor of Gibraltar and later Governor of Menorca, where he oversaw the island's defenses and administrative reforms. In 1761, he became a field marshal in the British Army, one of the highest ranks attainable, reflecting his decades of service. His memoirs, published posthumously, offer valuable insights into 18th-century military operations and colonial governance. Lord Tyrawley died on July 14, 1774, and is remembered for his contributions to British military history.

Born in Riga in 1717, Ernst Gideon von Laudon entered the Austrian army at a young age and rapidly distinguished himself in battle. He achieved renown for his daring raids and skirmishes against Prussian forces, earning promotions for his strategic acumen. During the Seven Years' War, Laudon led audacious campaigns in Silesia and secured key victories that boosted Austrian morale. He also commanded forces against the Ottoman Empire, demonstrating versatility across different theaters of war. Renowned for his bold leadership and personal bravery, Laudon rose to the rank of field marshal and became a favorite of Empress Maria Theresa. He died on July 14, 1790, and is remembered as one of Austria's most effective military commanders of the 18th century.

Born in Caracas in 1750, Francisco de Miranda served in the Spanish military before embracing Enlightenment ideas and advocating for colonial independence. He traveled across Europe and the United States, seeking support for Latin American liberation and meeting figures like George Washington and Napoleon. Miranda led the first Venezuelan Revolution in 1806, an unsuccessful expedition that nonetheless inspired future leaders such as Simón Bolívar. He played key roles in the independence movements of Venezuela and Argentina, earning the title "The Great Universal American" for his vision of a united Latin America. After capture by Spanish forces, he was imprisoned in Cádiz and died aboard the prison ship San Telmo in 1816. Miranda's legacy endures as a pioneering advocate for freedom and unity in Hispanic America.

Born in 1813, John Buckley served in the 23rd Regiment of Foot of the British Army. During the Siege of Sebastopol in June 1855, he performed acts of conspicuous bravery under heavy fire to rescue wounded comrades. For his gallantry, he was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration for valor in the British and Commonwealth forces. Buckley later achieved the rank of captain and continued his service until his retirement. He died in 1876, remembered as a courageous soldier whose actions exemplified selfless devotion to duty.

Born to President Theodore Roosevelt and Edith Kermit Carow, Quentin was the youngest of their four sons. He attended Groton School and graduated from Harvard University, excelling in athletics and marksmanship. In 1917, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Service and trained as a reconnaissance pilot. On July 14, 1918, his Airco DH.4 was shot down over France, making him one of the first American airmen killed in World War I. His sacrifice made him a poignant symbol of youthful bravery and left a lasting mark on the Roosevelt legacy.

Carl Andrew Spaatz was a pioneering American military aviator and general born in 1891. He served in World War I before rising through the ranks of the U.S. Army Air Forces. During World War II, he commanded the Strategic Air Forces in Europe, overseeing critical bombing campaigns against Nazi Germany. After the war, he became the first Chief of Staff of the newly independent U.S. Air Force, shaping its early doctrine and organization. Spaatz retired in 1948 and later advised on military and civilian aviation. His leadership and strategic insights left a lasting imprint on air warfare and the U.S. military.