December 12

Born in 1915 in Baguio, Philippines, Basa graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in 1939. He served as a fighter pilot with the Philippine Army Air Corps during the Japanese invasion of December 1941. On December 12, 1941, Basa engaged Japanese bombers attacking Lubao airfield, shooting down enemy aircraft before his plane was shot down. He was mortally wounded and died the same day, becoming the first Filipino pilot casualty of the war. Posthumously awarded the Distinguished Conduct Star for bravery, Basa symbolizes Filipino resistance. His sacrifice is honored annually by the Philippine Air Force and memorials across the country. Basa's courage continues to inspire generations of Filipino servicemen and women.

Richard Baggallay (1884–1975) was an English Army officer and first-class cricketer. Born into a distinguished military family, he served with distinction during World War I and rose to the rank of colonel. Off the field, Baggallay played for Hampshire and the Marylebone Cricket Club, earning recognition as a talented batsman. He combined discipline and sportsmanship throughout his career, embodying the ideals of fair play. Baggallay's dual dedication to military duty and cricket made him a respected figure in both arenas.

Stuart A. Roosa (1933–1994) was a USAF pilot selected as part of NASA's third astronaut group in 1966. He flew on Apollo 14 in 1971, orbiting the Moon while his crewmates conducted lunar surface exploration. A former smokejumper and test pilot, Roosa logged over 6,500 hours of flying time in various aircraft. He carried a pouch of tree seeds to lunar orbit, which later germinated into the famous 'Moon Trees.' After leaving NASA, Roosa held leadership roles in aerospace development and remained active in veteran astronaut circles.

Lawton Chiles (1930–1998) served as Governor of Florida from 1991 to 1998 after a long tenure in the U.S. Senate. A decorated World War II veteran, he earned recognition for his military service and later practiced law. Chiles was famed for his 'Walking Lawton' campaign, personally meeting voters on a 1,003-mile tour of Florida. His administration focused on education reform, healthcare expansion, and environmental conservation. Remembered as 'the people’s governor,' Chiles left a legacy of accessible leadership and compassionate policy.

Morris Kelly Udall (1922–1998), known as Mo Udall, was a prominent American politician and decorated naval aviator. He represented Arizona in Congress from 1961 to 1991, championing environmental protection and Native American rights. A leading liberal Democrat, he ran for the 1976 presidential nomination, finishing second. Udall was renowned for his wit and humorous speaking style, earning the admiration of colleagues. After leaving office, he battled Parkinson's disease and helped establish the Udall Foundation, supporting environmental and tribal issues. His legacy endures through his legislative achievements and enduring impact on public policy.

Heydar Aliyev (1923–2003) was a Soviet-era KGB general turned Azerbaijani statesman who led Azerbaijan as its President from 1993 to 2003. Rising through the Communist Party ranks, he served as First Secretary of the Azerbaijan SSR before the nation's independence. Aliyev stabilized his country during internal conflict and negotiated ceasefires in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. He introduced market reforms and forged international energy partnerships that transformed Azerbaijan's oil and gas industry. Known for his authoritative leadership style, he left a lasting imprint on Azerbaijani politics and governance. Aliyev remains a controversial figure, credited with national consolidation but criticized for suppressing political opposition.

François al-Hajj served as a senior commander in the Lebanese Army, commanding troops during the civil war and in anti-terror operations. He was appointed head of the South regional command, where he led efforts to secure the border with Israel and counter Hezbollah's military activities. Known for his strategic acumen and dedication to national sovereignty, al-Hajj became a respected figure in the Lebanese military establishment. On December 12, 2007, he was killed by a roadside bomb in Baalbek, an event that heightened tensions in the country. His assassination remains a point of political controversy and reflection on Lebanon's security challenges. Al-Hajj's legacy continues to influence the army's approach to internal and external threats.

Lord Maʻafu Tukuiʻaulahi was a Tongan noble and military officer who became Deputy Prime Minister of Tonga in October 2021. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Tonga Defence Services before transitioning to politics. As a member of the Legislative Assembly, he advocated for national security, infrastructure development, and public sector reforms. His dual experience in military and civil service made him a respected leader in Tongan government. He died unexpectedly in December 2021, leaving a legacy of dedicated service to his country.