December 17

Prince Rupert of the Rhine was a celebrated military leader and the nephew of King Charles I. He commanded royalist cavalry with notable daring and tactical innovation. After the Civil War, he served as the first Admiral of the Royal Navy and later played a role in colonial enterprises. Rupert was also an inventor and scientist who experimented with metallurgy and optics. His legacy combines military prowess, scientific curiosity, and courtly influence until his death in 1682.

Nozu Michitsura was a senior officer in the Imperial Japanese Army during the Meiji period. He fought in the Boshin War and rose through the ranks to become Commander-in-Chief of the First Army during the First Sino-Japanese War. He later led the Fourth Army in the Russo-Japanese War and received the rank of field marshal in 1907. Recognized for his strategic planning and leadership in major conflicts, he was awarded numerous imperial honors. After a distinguished military career, he retired and passed away in 1908.

Charles C. Banks was commissioned into the British Army before transferring to the Royal Flying Corps during World War I. He flew reconnaissance and combat missions over the Western Front, demonstrating courage under fire. Banks earned distinctions for his aerial achievements and contributed to the early development of military aviation tactics. After the war, he remained active in aviation circles, helping train the next generation of pilots. He lived until 1971, witnessing the transformation of air warfare he helped pioneer.

Simo Häyhä was born in Finland and served as a marksman in the Finnish Army during the 1939–1940 Winter War. Using his M/28-30 rifle and natural camouflage, he is credited with over 500 confirmed sniper kills, the highest in any major conflict. His nickname 'White Death' originated from Soviet troops who feared his lethal accuracy in snowy terrain. Despite suffering a severe facial wound, Häyhä recovered and lived to the age of 96. He received numerous military honors for his bravery and skill. Today, Häyhä is remembered as one of history's most effective and legendary snipers.

Eli Beeding (1928–2013) was a U.S. military captain and accomplished pilot who served his country with dedication. He excelled in various flight operations, demonstrating leadership and technical expertise. Beeding's career spanned numerous missions and training programs. His commitment to aviation safety and instruction influenced future generations of pilots. Throughout his service, he maintained a reputation for professionalism and courage in challenging conditions.

Calvin DeWitt Waller Jr. was born on December 17, 1937 in Houston, Texas. He graduated from Texas A&M University and was commissioned in the U.S. Army, serving two tours in the Vietnam War where he earned multiple decorations. Waller later commanded the 24th Infantry Division and oversaw training and readiness duties. In 1990, he was appointed Deputy Commander of U.S. Central Command under General Norman Schwarzkopf, playing a key role in planning the ground campaign of the Gulf War. He retired in 1993 with the rank of Lieutenant General. After retirement, he worked as a military consultant and speaker. Waller passed away in 1996, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and service.

Muhammadu Buhari was born on December 17, 1942 in Daura, Nigeria. He joined the Nigerian Army and rose to the rank of Major General, serving in key positions including Governor of Borno State. In 1983, he led a military coup and became Nigeria’s Head of State until 1985, focusing on anti-corruption and discipline. After years as a private citizen, he entered democratic politics and was elected President of Nigeria in 2015, a role he held for two terms. Buhari’s tenure has been marked by efforts to combat corruption and insurgency in the country. He has also faced criticism over economic challenges and human rights concerns. Buhari’s career spans both military rule and democratic governance, making him a significant figure in Nigeria’s modern history.

Chelsea Manning enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2007, serving as an intelligence analyst in Iraq. In 2010, she transmitted hundreds of thousands of classified military and diplomatic files to WikiLeaks. Manning was convicted by court-martial in 2013 and sentenced to 35 years in prison, the longest ever for leaks. Her sentence was commuted by President Obama in 2017 after serving seven years. Publicly coming out as transgender in 2013, she has since become an advocate for LGBTQ rights and government transparency. Manning is also an author and speaker, continuing her activism and public discourse.