December 26

Masrur al-Balkhi served as a general under the Abbasid Caliphs during a period marked by internal strife and external threats. He commanded troops in the province of Khurasan and played a key role in suppressing regional revolts. His leadership helped stabilize the eastern frontiers of the Caliphate and maintain Abbasid authority. Although detailed records of his campaigns are scarce, his reputation endured in medieval Arabic chronicles. He was noted for his loyalty to the Caliphate and his strategic acumen on the battlefield. His death in 893 marked the end of a distinguished military career during the Golden Age of Islam.

Gao Qiong was a celebrated military figure of the early Song Dynasty, born in 935. He rose through the ranks due to his prowess in campaigns against Khitan and other northern tribes. Under Emperor Taizu, his strategic leadership contributed to the consolidation of Song control over northern China. He was respected for his loyalty, discipline, and straightforward character. Gao also served as a trusted court adviser, bridging military and civil affairs. He retired with honors before his death in 1006, leaving a legacy as one of the dynasty’s key founders.

Born in 1314, Thomas Holland rose to prominence as a trusted military leader under King Edward III. He was created the 1st Earl of Kent in recognition of his service in French campaigns during the Hundred Years' War. Holland commanded troops at key battles and was known for his strategic acumen and dedication to the Crown. Beyond his military exploits, he managed extensive estates and solidified his family's influence at court. He died in 1360, leaving a legacy as one of the notable commanders of his era.

Seth Warner was a key military figure in the American Revolution, commanding the Green Mountain Boys from Vermont. He played a crucial role in the capture of Fort Ticonderoga alongside Ethan Allen in 1775. As a leader, he organized frontier regiments that conducted guerrilla-style operations against British forces. After the war, he helped negotiate Vermont's admission as the 14th state of the Union. He is remembered for his courage, tactical skill, and dedication to the cause of American independence. His legacy lives on in the military traditions of Vermont and American frontier history.

Herbert Otto Gille was a high-ranking Waffen-SS officer who led the 5th SS Panzer Division Wiking on the Eastern Front during World War II. He was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords for his combat leadership. Gille's division saw action in major campaigns including Operation Barbarossa and the Battle of Normandy. After the war, he was held as a prisoner of war and later worked as a spokesperson for Waffen-SS veterans. His legacy remains controversial due to his association with Nazi military units.

Frederick Dalrymple-Hamilton joined the Royal Navy in the early 20th century and rose through the ranks to become an admiral. He served as captain of the battlecruiser HMS Hood during its final engagement with the German battleship Bismarck in 1941. After the sinking of the Hood, he continued to hold senior naval positions, contributing to wartime strategy and training. Dalrymple-Hamilton was known for his leadership under pressure and deep knowledge of naval operations. His career spanned both World Wars and influenced Royal Navy tactics in the mid-20th century.

Born in Hanover in 1914, Erich Topp joined the Kriegsmarine in 1935 and quickly made his mark as the commander of U-552. He was credited with sinking dozens of Allied ships, making him one of the top U-boat aces. Awarded the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords for his achievements, Topp survived the war and later served in the postwar German Navy. Known for his tactical skill and calm leadership under pressure, he published memoirs documenting his wartime experiences. Topp's career spanned over four decades, leaving a complex legacy upon his death in 2005.

Born in 1929, Ibrahim Tannous graduated from the Lebanese Military Academy and quickly rose through the ranks. In 1982, he was appointed Commander of the Lebanese Army amid escalating conflict in the civil war. Tannous worked to maintain army cohesion and navigate complex sectarian tensions during his tenure. He sought diplomatic solutions and coordinated with international forces stationed in Lebanon. After retiring in 1984, he continued to advise on military and security matters for his country. He remained a respected figure in Lebanese military history until his death in 2012.