December 11

Ashikaga Yoshihisa (1465–1489) became the ninth shogun at age eight, inheriting a fragile political landscape. He endeavored to reassert the shogunate’s control over feudal lords while managing court politics. Yoshihisa supported Buddhist institutions and the cultural life of Kyoto, patronizing temple restoration and the arts. His tenure was marked by tensions with regional daimyō, leading to military campaigns to quell uprisings. He died in battle at Tsuruga Castle, leaving unresolved conflicts that contributed to the Ashikaga shogunate’s eventual decline. His brief but eventful rule reflects the challenges of central authority during the Muromachi period.

Amar Singh Rathore (1613–1644) was a Rajput nobleman of the Rathore clan who served as governor of Nagaur under Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Renowned for his martial prowess and strict code of honor, he embodied the ideal of the Rajput warrior. A fallout with Mughal officers led him to kill an imperial official, sparking a dramatic rebellion. He famously resisted arrest, engaging in armed conflict against superior forces to defend his principles. During the ensuing battle, he suffered fatal wounds and died on the battlefield. His courageous defiance and tragic death became legendary in Rajasthani folklore, symbolizing resistance against tyranny.

Frederick Eveleigh-de-Moleyns (1861–1923) was the 5th Baron Ventry, inheriting his title and responsibilities in County Kerry, Ireland. He served as an officer in the British Army, balancing military duties with managing his family estates. During his tenure, he navigated the social and political changes of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As an Anglo-Irish peer, he engaged in local governance and community affairs. His life reflects the shifting landscape of aristocratic service and military commitment in his era.

Arnold Majewski was a Finnish military officer of Polish descent known for his courage and dedication to his country. Born in 1892, he enlisted in the Finnish Army during a period of national upheaval and participated in efforts to secure Finland’s sovereignty. Majewski’s actions on the battlefield earned him recognition and military honors, reflecting his steadfast leadership under fire. His commitment to the Finnish cause exemplified the resilience of the nation’s armed forces. Majewski passed away in 1942, remembered as a war hero who served with distinction.

Ronald Skirth was an English soldier who served on the Western Front during World War I and later became known for his candid memoir The Reluctant Tommy. Born in 1897, he enlisted in the Royal Garrison Artillery and experienced the brutal realities of trench warfare. Haunted by the human cost of artillery fire, Skirth secretly sabotaged targeting instructions to reduce casualties. His memoir, published posthumously, offers a unique perspective on the ethical dilemmas faced by soldiers and the psychological impact of war. The Reluctant Tommy has been praised for its introspective and honest account of combat. Skirth died in 1977, leaving a controversial but thought-provoking legacy in war literature.

Amon Göth was born on December 11, 1908, in Vienna, Austria. He joined the Nazi Party and SS in the 1930s, and during World War II, he became the commandant of the Płaszów labor camp in occupied Poland. Göth’s tenure was marked by extreme violence and mass executions, making him one of the most notorious war criminals of the Holocaust. Captured by Allied forces in 1945, he was tried, convicted of crimes against humanity, and executed in 1946. His life and actions were later depicted in the film Schindler’s List, ensuring his brutal legacy remains remembered.

Born on December 11, 1909, Ronald McKie served as a soldier during World War II before transitioning to journalism. He reported from Asia and Europe, covering major political events and social changes in the postwar era. McKie authored several books that combined historical research with vivid storytelling, earning praise for his nuanced perspectives. His work contributed to Western understanding of emerging nations and cultural shifts during the mid-20th century. McKie passed away in 1991, leaving behind a legacy of compelling reportage and narrative non-fiction.

Felix "Doc" Blanchard was a standout fullback for the Army Black Knights, winning the Heisman Trophy in 1945. Nicknamed "Mr. Inside," he formed half of the famed "Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside" backfield alongside Glenn Davis. After graduating from West Point, he served in the U.S. Army Air Force and retired as a colonel. Blanchard's powerful running style and leadership made him one of college football's early legends. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his on-field achievements. He passed away in 2009, remembered for his dual impact on sports and military service.

Enrique Bermúdez (December 11, 1932 – February 16, 1991) was a Nicaraguan colonel and civil engineer who became the military leader of the Nicaraguan Democratic Force (FDN), the largest Contra group opposing the Sandinista government. A graduate of the National School of Engineering in Managua, he left the Nicaraguan National Guard after the 1979 Sandinista revolution. Bermúdez organized and commanded the FDN from bases in Honduras, directing guerrilla operations throughout the 1980s. He was known for his organizational skills and ability to unify disparate rebel factions. Despite international controversies and covert support from the US government, Bermúdez remained a polarizing figure until his assassination in Managua. His leadership played a central role in the Contra insurgency and the wider Cold War conflict in Central America.