December 14

Born in 1775, Thomas Cochrane was a daring Scottish naval officer whose tactics revolutionized naval warfare. He earned fame for daring raids against French and Spanish fleets during the Napoleonic Wars. Cochrane served as a Member of Parliament, advocating for naval and political reforms in Britain. His adventurous spirit led him to command navies in Chile, Peru, Brazil, and Greece during their wars of independence. Despite a controversial impeachment, he regained his reputation and continued to influence naval strategy. Cochrane's exploits inspired literary characters such as Horatio Hornblower and Jack Aubrey. He died in 1860, leaving a legacy as one of history's most audacious and innovative naval commanders.

Born in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1832. He served as a brigadier general in the Confederate Army of Tennessee. He commanded troops in key battles such as Franklin and Nashville. After the war, he settled in Arkansas and practiced law. He participated in state politics and served as a judge of the Arkansas Supreme Court. He died in 1902, remembered for his military leadership and legal career.

James Harold Doolittle (1896–1993) was an American aviator, engineer, and military leader. He first gained fame as a civilian pilot, setting a transcontinental speed record in 1922. During World War II, he planned and commanded the Doolittle Raid, the first air raid on Tokyo after Pearl Harbor, boosting U.S. morale. Promoted to brigadier general, he served as Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army Air Forces. Doolittle's contributions to aeronautical engineering advanced instrument flying and monoplane design. He received the Medal of Honor for his leadership and bravery. After military retirement, Doolittle continued working in aviation and consulting until his death in 1993.

Born in Marion County, Kentucky, Spurrier enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942 and served in the European Theatre. During the Lorraine Campaign in 1944, he led small-unit attacks and captured enemy positions under heavy fire. For his extraordinary bravery, Spurrier received the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration. He also earned the Distinguished Service Cross and multiple Silver Stars for valor. After the war, he continued his service in the Organized Reserve Corps before retiring in 1952. Spurrier is remembered as one of World War II’s most decorated non-commissioned officers.

Mikael Odenberg is a Swedish soldier and politician born in 1953. He earned a degree in economics from the Stockholm School of Economics and served as a captain in the Swedish Army. A member of the Moderate Party, Odenberg was appointed Minister for Defence from 2006 to 2007 under Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt. During his tenure, he advocated for increased defence spending and organizational reforms. After leaving ministerial office, he worked in the energy sector and continued to engage in public debate on security matters.