February 16

Zhu Yi (483–549) was a prominent general and court official during China's Liang Dynasty. Born into a scholarly family, he rose through the ranks to become a key advisor to Emperor Wu. He played important roles in both military campaigns and governmental administration, shaping strategic decisions. Despite his early successes, some of his proposals led to setbacks, highlighting the challenges of imperial politics. His career reflected the complexities of balancing civil and military responsibilities in a turbulent era.

Born in 1585 to a prominent Castilian noble family, he pursued a military career in the Spanish Army. He rose through the ranks by serving in campaigns across Europe during the Thirty Years' War. In 1629 he was appointed the 24th Governor of the Duchy of Milan, overseeing civil and military affairs. He implemented administrative reforms to strengthen defenses and improve local governance. Esteemed for his leadership and diplomatic skills, he maintained Spanish dominance in Northern Italy. After his tenure, he returned to Spain and continued to advise the crown on military matters. He passed away in 1645, remembered for his service to the Spanish Habsburg monarchy.

Born in 1758 in Saint Petersburg to a family of German descent, Döbeln entered the Swedish army as a cadet. He distinguished himself at the Battle of Porrassalmi in 1789, where he sustained a serious head wound. His habit of wearing a black silk bandanna to cover his injury became his enduring symbol. During the Finnish War (1808–1809), he led Swedish forces in several key engagements against Russia. Döbeln was admired for his personal bravery, tactical skill, and ability to inspire troops under difficult conditions. After the war, he retired to his estate but remained a celebrated figure in Swedish national memory. He died in 1820, honored as a hero of Sweden's defense of Finland.

Born in 1918, Muhammad Ataul Ghani Osmani trained in the British Indian Army before becoming a key leader in Bangladesh's independence. As Commander-in-Chief of the Mukti Bahini, he orchestrated guerrilla campaigns pivotal to the country's liberation. Osmani's strategic vision helped secure international support against Pakistani rule. After independence, he contributed to forming Bangladesh’s national defense forces. He remains celebrated as a founding figure in the nation's military history.

Born in Nicaragua in 1932, Bermúdez trained as an engineer before joining the National Guard. He became a key figure in the anti-Sandinista resistance, organizing and commanding the Contras. Under his leadership, he secured covert support and funding from foreign backers. His tactics and alliances shaped the course of the conflict in the 1980s. Despite numerous controversies over human rights, he remained influential until his assassination in 1991.