December 05

Born in 1537, Yoshiaki was installed as shōgun in 1568 with the military support of Oda Nobunaga. His rule was meant to restore Ashikaga authority, but he quickly became a figurehead amid powerful warlords. Clashes with Nobunaga over autonomy led to Yoshiaki’s expulsion from Kyoto in 1573, marking the end of the Ashikaga shogunate and the start of the Azuchi–Momoyama period. He spent his later years attempting to rally opposition against Oda rule but lacked substantial military backing. Yoshiaki died in obscurity in 1597, remembered as the final ruler of a two-century-old dynasty.

George Armstrong Custer was a United States Army officer who first gained fame as a cavalry commander during the American Civil War. He achieved the rank of brevet major general by the age of 23 and was known for his bold tactics. After the war, he remained in the army, leading the 7th Cavalry Regiment in the American Indian Wars. His aggressive approach culminated in the Battle of the Little Bighorn, where he and his troops met their demise. Custer's legacy remains controversial, symbolizing both martial valor and the tragic conflicts of westward expansion.

John Jellicoe served as Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Fleet during World War I and commanded British naval forces at the pivotal Battle of Jutland. Known for his cautious yet strategic approach, he balanced risks and protected crucial shipping lanes. After the war, Jellicoe became First Sea Lord and oversaw post-war naval reorganization. He later accepted the role of Governor-General of New Zealand, representing the Crown from 1920 to 1924. His distinguished career exemplified leadership both at sea and in colonial governance.

Sir Arthur Currie was the first Canadian officer promoted to full general and led the Canadian Corps to victory at Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele. His methodical planning, emphasis on intelligence, and innovative artillery tactics reduced casualties and maximized effectiveness. Currie’s leadership fostered high morale among troops and earned the respect of Allied commanders. After the war, he served as Principal of McGill University, promoting veterans’ welfare and educational advancement. Currie’s strategic insights continue to be studied in military academies worldwide.

Born in 1905, Francisco Javier Arana was a leading figure in the Guatemalan military. He played a key role in the 1944 uprising that ended dictator Jorge Ubico's rule. Arana became a member of the revolutionary junta and served briefly as head of state. He later clashed with other revolutionaries, contributing to political instability. Arana was assassinated in 1949 under mysterious circumstances. His death marked a turning point in Guatemala's revolutionary period.

Born in 1907 in Huanggang, Hubei province, Lin Biao joined the Chinese Communist Party in the 1920s. He rose to prominence as a commander in the People's Liberation Army during the Chinese Civil War. Lin was instrumental in major campaigns that led to the Communist takeover in 1949. He was appointed Vice Premier and Minister of Defense, becoming Mao Zedong's designated successor. In 1971, Lin died under mysterious circumstances in a plane crash after an alleged coup attempt. His life and death remain subjects of debate and intrigue in Chinese history.

Born in 1913, Bruce Conde served as an officer in the U.S. Army during World War II before joining the French Foreign Legion and fighting in conflicts across North Africa. He later became a military adviser in the Middle East, where he forged close ties with the Yemeni monarchy. Conde developed a passion for philately, specializing in Middle Eastern and African stamps, and published authoritative catalogs that remain references for collectors. He controversially styled himself as a claimant to a minor Yemeni princedom, drawing both intrigue and skepticism. His life bridged military adventure, scholarly collecting, and monarchical ambition. Conde's multifaceted career left a unique imprint on military history and philatelic scholarship until his death in 1992.

Born in 1914 in East Prussia, Hans Hellmut Kirst served as a lieutenant in the German army during World War II. After experiencing the realities of war, he turned to writing, publishing his first novel in 1950. Kirst became known for sharp satire and critical insight into military bureaucracy and authoritarianism. His 08/15 trilogy and works like The Night of the Generals achieved international bestseller status and were adapted for film. Over his career, he wrote more than 40 novels and received literary awards for his contributions to postwar German literature. Kirst's poignant storytelling explored themes of duty, morality, and the human cost of conflict. He continued publishing until his death in 1989, leaving a lasting impact on war literature.

Born in 1947 in Govi-Altai, Jügderdemidiin Gürragchaa graduated from the Soviet Air Force Academy as a fighter pilot. In 1981, he made history as the first Mongolian to travel to space on the Soyuz 39 mission to the Salyut 6 space station. After his spaceflight, he continued his military career, achieving the rank of Major General in the Mongolian armed forces. Gürragchaa later served as Mongolia's Minister of Defense and Ambassador to Russia and Germany. He is celebrated as a national hero and a pioneer in Asia's space exploration.