December 23

Akiyama Nobutomo was born in 1531 in Mikawa Province. He served the Matsudaira and later the Takeda clan during the Sengoku era. Nobutomo earned a reputation for bravery at battles such as Nagashino. He was known for his strict code of honor and loyalty to his liege. Despite his prowess, he was captured and executed in 1575. His life exemplifies the turbulent warfare of feudal Japan.

Henry I, Duke of Guise, was born in 1550 into the powerful House of Guise. He became a leading figure in the Catholic League opposing Protestant Huguenots. Guise achieved military victories that solidified his reputation as a formidable commander. His ambition and influence often rivaled those of the French crown. In December 1588, he was assassinated on the orders of King Henry III. His death marked a pivotal moment in the French Wars of Religion, deepening the conflict.

Cesar, duc de Choiseul, born into the French nobility, rose to prominence during the turbulent era of the Fronde. As a general, he commanded royalist forces and demonstrated strategic skill on the battlefield. Transitioning to diplomacy, he represented France at critical negotiations, forging alliances with Bavaria and Spain. His efforts strengthened French influence across Europe and helped secure territorial gains for Louis XIV. Choiseul's dual talents in war and diplomacy exemplified the multifaceted nature of 17th-century statecraft.

Alastair Ruadh MacDonnell belonged to a prominent Highland family and became one of the chief agents of Prince Charles Edward Stuart. He traveled across Europe, securing pledges of aid from the French court and the Papacy for the Jacobite cause. MacDonnell gathered intelligence on British troop movements and provided critical information to the rebels in Scotland. After the collapse of the 1745 rebellion, he spent years in exile, continuing to advocate for Stuart restoration. His daring missions and correspondence offer valuable insight into the clandestine operations of 18th-century espionage.

Augustus Hervey embarked on a naval career at a young age, rising to the rank of rear admiral during the Seven Years' War. He commanded ships in the West Indies and earned a reputation for bold tactics. Simultaneously active in politics, he represented Bury St Edmunds and Launceston in Parliament. In 1766, he was appointed Chief Secretary for Ireland, where he navigated complex Anglo-Irish relations. Hervey's charismatic personality and varied achievements in both military and political arenas made him a notable figure in 18th-century Britain.

Henry Clinton (1730–1795) was a British general who held the post of Commander-in-Chief of British forces in North America from 1778 to 1782. He began his military career in the War of the Austrian Succession and fought in the Seven Years' War. During the American War of Independence he planned key operations and directed troops at battles such as Newport and Charleston. Clinton also had a political career, serving as a Member of Parliament for several constituencies. His strategic decisions and logistical challenges shaped the course of the war. He retired to England after the war and left behind a contested legacy among historians.

Frederick Tracy Dent (died 1892) was a Brigadier General in the Regular United States Army and the brother-in-law of President Ulysses S. Grant. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and saw service in the Mexican–American War and on the Western frontier. Dent held various command and staff positions before rising to the rank of brigadier general. His familial connection brought him into close proximity to national politics during Grant’s presidency. Dent was respected for his leadership, discipline, and contributions to the post–Civil War army's reorganization.

Born in 1906, Mustafa Fehmi Kubilay studied at the Turkish Military Academy and rose to the rank of lieutenant. He was stationed in Menemen, where he also taught at a vocational school. In 1930, he confronted religious extremists during the Menemen incident, refusing to surrender. His defiance and subsequent execution made him a symbol of secularism and reform in Turkey. He was posthumously honored, and his martyrdom is commemorated annually. Kubilay's legacy continues to inspire Turkish educators and military officers.

Akira Mutō was born in 1883 and graduated from the Imperial Japanese Army Academy. He served in the Russo-Japanese War and held staff positions during the Second Sino-Japanese War. As Chief of Staff of the 14th Area Army, he oversaw operations in Southeast Asia during World War II. After Japan’s defeat, Mutō was tried by the International Military Tribunal for the Far East for his role in wartime atrocities. Convicted of war crimes, he was executed in 1948. Mutō’s trial and sentence were part of the Allied efforts to hold military leaders accountable.

Hideki Tojo was born in 1884 and rose through the ranks of the Imperial Japanese Army. He served as Minister of War before becoming Prime Minister in 1941. Tojo authorized the attack on Pearl Harbor and directed Japan’s military strategy throughout the war. Under his leadership, Japan expanded its territory across Asia and the Pacific. After surrender, he was arrested, tried for war crimes by the International Military Tribunal for the Far East, and sentenced to death. Tojo was executed in 1948. His legacy is marked by his central role in Japan’s wartime aggression.

Seishirō Itagaki was born in 1885 and graduated from the Imperial Japanese Army Academy. He played a key role in the 1931 Mukden Incident, which led to Japan’s occupation of Manchuria. Itagaki held various command positions during the Second Sino-Japanese War. After Japan’s defeat, he was tried for war crimes by the International Military Tribunal for the Far East. Convicted for his involvement in aggressive military actions, Itagaki was executed in 1948. His actions contributed to Japan’s early expansionist policies in Asia.

Heitarō Kimura was born in 1888 and graduated from the Imperial Japanese Army Academy. He served as Commander of the 14th Area Army during World War II and later became Governor-General of Korea. Kimura’s administration in Korea enforced strict military rule and contributed to harsh occupation policies. After the war, he was arrested and tried for war crimes by the International Military Tribunal for the Far East. He was convicted of crimes against humanity and executed in 1948. Kimura’s leadership remains associated with Japan’s wartime occupation of Korea.