August 16

Born into the prominent Argyros family around 944, he rose quickly through military ranks under Emperor Nikephoros II. He led expeditions against Arab-held territories in Calabria and Apulia, securing key coastal strongholds. His tactical skill earned him the title of patrikios and command of elite units. He played a crucial role in defending Byzantine interests in Italy before his death in 963. His career exemplifies the martial and political challenges of the 10th-century empire.

He succeeded as Grand Master in 1151, leading one of the most influential military orders of the Crusades. Under his command, the Templars fortified key positions in the Holy Land and maintained supply lines. He personally led the assault on the fortress of Ascalon in 1153. During the siege, he was killed while attempting to breach the city’s defenses. He is remembered for his bravery and unwavering commitment to the Christian crusading cause.

Charles-François de Broglie, marquis de Ruffec (1719–1791) was a French nobleman who pursued a distinguished military and diplomatic career under King Louis XV. He fought in several key conflicts and was noted for his strategic insight and leadership on the battlefield. Later, de Broglie served as an envoy to various European courts, negotiating treaties and strengthening France's alliances. His diplomatic skills helped maintain stability in turbulent times and advanced French interests abroad. Known for his refined manners and intellectual curiosity, he was a respected figure in both military and aristocratic circles.

Prentiss Ingraham served as a Confederate cavalry officer during the American Civil War before embarking on a literary career. He became one of the most prolific writers of dime novels in the late 19th century, creating series about Western heroes like Buffalo Bill. Ingraham’s fast-paced storytelling and vivid descriptions captivated mass audiences and helped define the Western genre. His works, featuring daring adventures and heroic characters, were widely read across the United States. By the time of his death in 1904, he had penned hundreds of titles, leaving a vast legacy in popular American literature.

Takijirō Ōnishi was an admiral in the Imperial Japanese Navy and a pioneer of organized kamikaze tactics. He served in major naval battles across the Pacific and advocated for special attack units as a desperate measure. Often called the 'Father of the Kamikaze', he organized and trained thousands of volunteer pilots for suicide missions. After Japan's surrender, he expressed deep remorse and took his own life by seppuku on August 16, 1945. His controversial legacy remains a subject of study on warfare ethics, sacrifice, and nationalism.

William 'Bull' Halsey Jr. commanded the US Third Fleet in the Pacific Ocean during World War II. Known for his aggressive tactics and bold leadership, he led forces in major engagements like the Battle of Leyte Gulf. His personal bravery and charismatic persona earned him widespread respect among sailors and aviators. After the war, he served as a naval representative to the United Nations and remained active in veterans' affairs. Halsey's legacy endures as one of America's most dynamic and influential naval commanders.

Born in 1888 into Dutch nobility, Alidius Stachouwer pursued a career in the military. He served with distinction during World War I and rose to the rank of lieutenant general. In 1936, he was appointed Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies, overseeing colonial administration. Stachouwer navigated rising nationalist movements and regional tensions during his tenure. Following the Japanese invasion in 1942, he surrendered and spent World War II as a prisoner of war. After the war, he returned to the Netherlands and continued public service until retirement. His leadership during a pivotal era remains a notable chapter in Dutch colonial history.

Idi Amin Dada (1925-2003) was a Ugandan military officer who seized power in a 1971 coup and declared himself President for Life. His eight-year rule was marked by widespread human rights abuses, political repression, and economic collapse. Amin expelled tens of thousands of Asians from Uganda, confiscating their businesses, and ordered mass killings that claimed an estimated 100,000 to 500,000 lives. Known for his erratic behavior and grandiose self-titles, he maintained power through fear and intimidation. His regime collapsed in 1979 when Tanzanian forces and Ugandan exiles invaded and overthrew him. Amin spent his remaining years in exile in Saudi Arabia. His legacy endures as one of the most notorious dictators of post-colonial Africa.

Dimitrios Ioannidis (1923–2010) was a Greek military officer known for his hardline nationalist stance and secretive leadership during the junta period. Initially serving in intelligence, he emerged as the architect of the 1973 coup that deposed George Papadopoulos, installing a new regime under President Phaidon Gizikis. Though rarely appearing in public, Ioannidis wielded significant influence over government policies, including the controversial handling of the Cyprus crisis in 1974. His actions contributed to the downfall of the dictatorship and the restoration of democracy the same year. After the junta's collapse, he lived under guard and faced limited accountability before fading from the public eye. Ioannidis died in 2010, remembered as one of modern Greece's most secretive figures of power.

Patrick Aziza (1947-2014) was a Nigerian brigadier general who held key military and governmental positions during the country’s military era. A graduate of the Nigerian Defence Academy, he saw action in the Nigerian Civil War and later commanded the 15th Brigade. From 1987 to 1990, he served as military governor of Kebbi State, overseeing infrastructure projects and administrative reforms. Aziza also sat on the Armed Forces Ruling Council and served as Federal Minister of Interior. Known for his disciplined leadership and strategic vision, he contributed to the development of Nigeria’s security and governance structures. After retiring, he championed youth development and veterans’ affairs. He passed away in Lagos, leaving a legacy of national service and military professionalism.

Born in Attock, British India (now Pakistan) in 1943. He had a distinguished career in the Pakistan Army, retiring with the rank of colonel. Elected to the Punjab Provincial Assembly in 2002 and 2008, he was appointed Home Minister in 2013. As Home Minister, he led operations against militant groups in the province. Khanzada was assassinated in a suicide bombing at his political office in August 2015. He is remembered for his commitment to public service and counter-terrorism efforts.

Born in 1947 in the former Yugoslavia. He rose through the ranks of the Yugoslav People’s Army to become a brigadier general. In 1991, he commanded forces during the Siege of Vukovar in the Croatian War of Independence. He was later tried and convicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia for war crimes. Mrkšić was sentenced to 20 years in prison and died shortly after his release in 2015.