December 03

Born into the influential Farnese family in 1545 in Rome. Appointed Governor-General of the Spanish Netherlands in 1578. He led successful campaigns, including the recapture of Antwerp in 1585. Farnese's diplomatic acumen secured loyalist support in rebellious provinces. His military strategies became models for European warfare, earning him lasting fame.

Born in 1548 in the Mikawa Province of Japan. He became a key general under Tokugawa Ieyasu during the Sengoku period. Tadakatsu fought in major battles such as Nagashino (1575) and Sekigahara (1600). Known as one of the 'Four Heavenly Kings' of the Tokugawa clan for his loyalty. He survived numerous engagements unscathed, earning a reputation of invincibility.

Samuel Cooper was born in 1798 and graduated from West Point, serving in the Seminole Wars and the Mexican–American War. A close friend of Robert E. Lee, he resigned his U.S. Army commission in 1861 to join the Confederacy. As Adjutant and Inspector General, Cooper managed the Confederate Army's administration and logistics. He was promoted to full general, making him the highest-ranking officer in Confederate service. After the Civil War, he lived briefly in England before returning to New York, where he died in 1876. His organizational skills were instrumental in shaping the Confederate military bureaucracy.

Frederick Ashworth graduated from the United States Naval Academy and served aboard battleships during World War II. He later became an expert in naval gunnery and strategic operations. Rising through the ranks, he held key leadership positions in the postwar U.S. Navy. Ashworth oversaw technical developments and training programs during the early Cold War era. He retired with the rank of admiral and passed away on December 3, 2005.

Born in Dublin, Richard Todd served as an officer in the British Army during World War II and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. After the war, he gained fame on screen with roles in films like 'The Hasty Heart' and 'The Dam Busters'. Todd became one of Britain's leading film stars in the 1950s, receiving an Academy Award nomination for 'The Hasty Heart'. He balanced his acting career with occasional returns to military service and charitable work. Todd died on December 3, 2009, leaving an enduring legacy in both film and military history.

Born in 1918, Aussaresses served as a general in the French Army and played a significant role in intelligence operations during the Algerian War. His leadership of special units was marked by effective counter-insurgency tactics that targeted the FLN movement. However, he later sparked controversy by publicly defending the use of torture as a wartime measure, prompting intense national debate over military ethics. After retiring, he published memoirs recounting France's colonial conflicts and his strategic decisions. Aussaresses's career remains a subject of study for historians examining the moral complexities of warfare. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 95, leaving a contentious legacy in French military history.

Born in 1952, Mohamed advanced through the ranks of the Egyptian Air Force with expertise in flight operations and strategic planning. Appointed Air Marshal, he spearheaded initiatives to modernize the fleet and enhance pilot training programs. Under his leadership, the air force participated in joint exercises with international partners, strengthening regional defense cooperation. He was known for advocating technological innovation and operational readiness. Off duty, Mohamed supported veterans' welfare and promoted aviation education among youth. His tenure contributed to the air force's reputation as one of the region's most capable air services. He passed away in 2013, remembered for his dedicated military service.