December 31

Li Shiji began his career serving various regional powers before joining the Tang dynasty, where he became one of Emperor Taizong’s most trusted commanders. He played a decisive role in campaigns against the Eastern Tujue and suppressing internal rebellions, earning victories that expanded and secured Tang territories. In recognition of his service, he was granted the imperial surname and titled Duke of Cao. He held high office under subsequent emperors, contributing to administrative as well as military affairs. His legacy endures in Chinese history as an exemplar of loyalty, strategy, and the martial spirit of the early Tang era.

Leopold V assumed the ducal throne of Austria in 1177 and quickly gained renown as both a ruler and military commander. He joined the Third Crusade alongside Emperor Frederick Barbarossa and King Richard the Lionheart, distinguishing himself in battle. After a dispute with Richard, he captured the English king in 1192 and held him for ransom, significantly enriching and empowering the Habsburg house. At home, he strengthened ducal authority through legal reforms and urban development, founding guilds and markets. His dual legacy as a crusader and statesman helped elevate Austria’s status within the Holy Roman Empire. Leopold’s actions shaped the trajectory of Habsburg ascendancy for centuries to come.

Humphrey de Bohun inherited the earldoms of Hereford and Essex, along with the hereditary office of Lord High Constable, solidifying his status among England’s top nobility. He fought in Prince Edward’s Welsh campaigns and played a key role at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298, renowned for his battlefield leadership. As a royal counselor, he oversaw judicial and military affairs, navigating the complexities of Edward I’s reign. His governance helped secure the king’s interests while managing the responsibilities of feudal lordship. His death in 1298 marked the loss of a formidable commander whose service exemplified the martial and administrative duties of medieval English magnates.

The third son of John of Gaunt, Beaufort rose to prominence through his military service under King Henry V, playing a key role in campaigns in France. He was appointed Duke of Exeter and trusted as a royal counselor, overseeing administration in Normandy. Beaufort negotiated treaties and managed garrisons, demonstrating both martial skill and diplomatic acumen. In addition to his military duties, he held important offices at the English court and supported early Tudor claims. His leadership helped secure English positions during the later stages of the Hundred Years' War.

As head of the Shimazu family, Tadayoshi expanded his domain through strategic alliances and military campaigns against neighboring clans. He implemented administrative reforms, centralizing authority within his province and encouraging agricultural development. Under his leadership, the clan fortified castles and improved samurai training, laying groundwork for future conquests. Tadayoshi also engaged in cultural patronage, sponsoring temples and tea ceremonies. His vision for a unified southern Kyushu set the stage for the Shimazu clan's rise to prominence in late 16th-century Japan.

Serving the Holy Roman Empire, Belli combined military experience with legal scholarship to address the conduct of warfare. His 1563 work 'De re militari et jure bellico' analyzed the rights and duties of soldiers, prisoners, and civilians in conflict, influencing later developments in international humanitarian law. Belli's writings blended Roman legal principles with practical insights from battlefields across Europe. He held high office in Piedmont, advising dukes on military organization and justice. Recognized as a pioneer in military jurisprudence, his theories remained authoritative for centuries within European legal traditions.

Richard Montgomery (1738–1775) was an Irish-born soldier who served in the British army during the French and Indian War before joining the Continental Army in 1775. Appointed as a brigadier general, he led the invasion of Canada aiming to capture Quebec City and extend the revolution. On December 31, 1775, Montgomery was killed by enemy fire while leading men against British defenses on the Plains of Abraham. His death made him one of the first martyrs of the American Revolution and he became a celebrated hero in the United States. Montgomery was praised for his leadership, bravery, and dedication to the revolutionary cause. Numerous places and institutions, including Montgomery County and Fort Montgomery, were named in his honor.

Born Francisca Carrasco Jiménez in 1826, she joined the Costa Rican army in 1856 amid the Filibuster War. Volunteering alongside male soldiers, she distinguished herself at the Battle of Rivas, carrying ammunition under heavy fire. Her courage earned her recognition and paved the way for women’s participation in the military. After the war, she remained a symbol of national pride. Carrasco died in 1890, and her legacy endures in Costa Rica’s military history, inspiring generations of women in service.

Born into a military family, Wilson graduated from Sandhurst and served with distinction in World War I. During World War II, he commanded British forces in the Middle East and led campaigns in North Africa and Italy. He attained the rank of Field Marshal and was appointed Chief of the Imperial General Staff in 1950. Known for his strategic acumen and perseverance, he earned the nickname 'Jumbo' among his peers. After retirement, he served as British High Commissioner to Canada and was honored with numerous decorations.

Born in 1928, Vasily Lazarev graduated as a physician before joining the Soviet Air Force and rising to the rank of colonel. Selected as a cosmonaut in the 1960s, he flew on missions to the Salyut space stations during the 1970s. During his time in orbit, he conducted biomedical experiments to study the effects of microgravity on the human body. Lazarev logged over ten days in space, helping to pave the way for longer-duration missions. After retiring from active flight duty, he contributed to cosmonaut training and space medicine research. He died on December 31, 1990, remembered for his pioneering role in human space exploration.

Valerian Wellesley (1915–2014) was the 8th Duke of Wellington and a British Army officer. Commissioned into the Grenadier Guards, he served with distinction in North Africa during World War II. He inherited the dukedom in 1972 and took his seat in the House of Lords as a Conservative. The Duke was active in veterans’ affairs and charitable organizations throughout his life. His dual roles in military service and politics reflected the legacy of his illustrious family. He passed away in 2014, continuing a centuries-long lineage of British leadership.