December 18

Born into the influential Douglas family in 1662, James Douglas held both military and political roles in Scotland. He served as a colonel in the Scottish army and later entered royal service under King William and Queen Anne. Appointed Secretary of State for Scotland, he oversaw the kingdom’s administration during a period of significant political change. Douglas played a key role in negotiations and governance leading up to the Acts of Union between Scotland and England. His leadership and aristocratic standing left a lasting impact on Scottish politics and the integration of the two kingdoms.

Charles Griffin was a West Point graduate who served with distinction in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He commanded troops in major engagements including the Siege of Petersburg and the Battle of the Wilderness. Promoted to major general for his tactical skill and bravery, he later oversaw Reconstruction in Texas as a military governor. His efforts helped stabilize the region during a turbulent era. Griffin died in 1876, remembered as a capable commander and administrator.

Mariano Ignacio Prado embarked on a military career that saw him rise to prominence as a general in the Peruvian army. He first assumed the presidency in 1865, successfully defending the country against Spanish incursions. Prado’s second term began in 1876, during which he faced the challenges of the War of the Pacific against Chile. A proponent of military and economic reforms, he worked to modernize the armed forces and infrastructure. After political turmoil, he spent his later years in exile and passed away in 1901.

Born in 1896, Gerald Barry pursued a distinguished career in the British Army, rising to the rank of colonel. Alongside his military duties, he was an avid cricketer, participating in county-level matches and local tournaments. Barry was known for his disciplined leadership on and off the field, applying strategic thinking from his military experience to his sporting endeavors. He played as a right-handed batsman, earning respect among teammates and opponents alike for his sportsmanship. After retiring from active service, Barry remained involved in veteran affairs and continued to support cricket clubs until his passing in 1977.

Born in Washington, D.C., Benjamin O. Davis Jr. graduated from West Point in 1936 as one of the few African American cadets.\nHe led the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American fighter pilots, in the European theater of World War II.\nUnder his leadership, the group earned an outstanding combat record and helped break racial barriers in the military.\nDavis rose to become the first African American general in the U.S. Air Force in 1954.\nHe served in Korea and Vietnam, influencing desegregation policies and military leadership.\nAwarded multiple decorations, including the Distinguished Service Medal, he was a mentor for future generations.\nHe retired in 1970, leaving a legacy of courage, leadership, and progress in civil rights.

Enlisting at age 17, Leckie served with the 1st Marine Division and fought in brutal campaigns such as Guadalcanal. His firsthand experiences became the basis for his acclaimed memoir Helmet for My Pillow (1957), offering a vivid portrait of frontline life. After the war, he authored numerous books on military history and fiction, including In Love and War and Conflict. Leckie also worked as a war correspondent, providing insights into later conflicts. His writings influenced the HBO miniseries The Pacific, ensuring his legacy as a key chronicler of World War II.

A veteran of World War II, Brooks achieved the rank of colonel and later earned a law degree before entering public service. Elected to Congress in 1952, he became a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee and was instrumental in drafting the Civil Rights Acts. Brooks played a key role in the impeachment proceedings against President Nixon. Known for his bipartisan approach, he helped oversee defense spending and veterans’ benefits. He retired in 1995, leaving a record of legislative achievements that shaped modern American policy.

Edwin Noel Westby Bramall, born in 1923, was commissioned into the Grenadier Guards and saw active service in Palestine and Suez. Rising through the ranks, he became Commander-in-Chief of the British Army of the Rhine and then Chief of the General Staff from 1985 to 1988. Elevated to Field Marshal, he was created Baron Bramall in 1989. After retirement, he served as Lord Lieutenant of Greater London from 1998 to 2008, representing the Crown. His career spanned pivotal moments in postwar British military history and public service.

Born in 1934, Boris Volynov graduated as an engineer before joining the Soviet cosmonaut corps in 1963. He served as flight engineer on Soyuz 5 in 1969, participating in the first manual docking of two crewed spacecraft. In 1976, he commanded Soyuz 21, spending weeks aboard the Salyut 5 space station on a long-duration mission. Volynov’s work advanced docking procedures and life support systems crucial for orbital stations. After retiring from active flight, he mentored the next generation of cosmonauts and preserved Soviet space heritage. He remains one of the pioneers of human space exploration.

Sarath Fonseka is a retired Sri Lankan Army general who served as Chief of Defence Staff. He played a central role in the 2009 military campaign that ended the decades-long civil war against the LTTE. Widely regarded as a war hero, Fonseka received national acclaim and military honors for his leadership and strategy. After retiring from the army, he entered politics and ran for president in 2010. His candidacy and subsequent arrest on controversial charges sparked international attention. Fonseka was released in 2015 and remains an influential figure in Sri Lankan political and military affairs.

Pierre Nkurunziza (1963–2020) was a Burundian soldier and politician who became the nation's ninth president in 2005. Having fought as a rebel commander during the Burundian Civil War, he prioritized national reconciliation and social programs. Under his leadership, Burundi experienced relative peace and economic growth, though his presidency was marred by electoral disputes. In 2015, his controversial third-term bid sparked unrest and drew international criticism over democratic backsliding. Nkurunziza promoted regional integration and played a key role in East African diplomatic initiatives. He died unexpectedly in 2020, leaving a complex legacy in Burundian politics and governance.