March 04

Born into the noble von Königsmarck family in 1665. He served as a captain in the Swedish army during the Nine Years' War. Infamous for his secret romance with Sophia Dorothea, sister of George I of Great Britain. In 1694, he vanished after an intercepted meet at Hanover, his fate still unknown. His disappearance sparked scandal at European courts and inspired artworks and novels. Philip's life remains a compelling myth of love and intrigue in Baroque Europe.

Born in Warsaw in 1745, Pulaski first fought against Russian domination in Poland before emigrating to North America. He offered his military expertise to General George Washington and helped establish the Continental Army’s cavalry. Pulaski led daring charges at battles such as Brandywine, earning rapid promotions and widespread acclaim. In 1778, he was commissioned as a brigadier general in the Continental Army, the highest rank ever held by a Pole in the American forces. He was mortally wounded during the Siege of Savannah in 1779, and his legacy endures in towns and monuments bearing his name.

Born in Kavala in 1769, Muhammad Ali rose through the Ottoman military ranks before taking control of Egypt in 1805. He reorganized the army along European lines, creating a modern conscript force equipped with firearms and artillery. Ali established state factories, introduced cash crops like cotton, and built infrastructure to strengthen Egypt’s economy. Under his leadership, Egypt expanded its territories into Sudan and Arabia, asserting regional influence. Often regarded as the founder of modern Egypt, his dynasty would rule until the mid-20th century.

Napoleon Collins was born in 1814 and embarked on a naval career in the early 19th century. He served with distinction in the Mexican–American War, participating in coastal operations and blockades. During the Civil War, Collins commanded Union vessels and played a key role in blockading Confederate ports. He achieved notoriety by capturing the Confederate cruiser CSS Florida in 1864, an action that sparked international controversy. Although briefly detained by Brazilian authorities, he was later exonerated and promoted. Collins retired as a rear admiral, leaving a legacy of bold naval leadership.

John Buford (March 4, 1826 – December 16, 1863) was a career officer in the United States Army and a seminal Union cavalry general during the Civil War. He graduated from West Point in 1848 and served in the Mexican–American War and on frontier posts. Buford's reconnaissance and timely decisions at the Battle of Gettysburg helped secure crucial high ground for the Union Army. His leadership demonstrated the strategic value of cavalry operations in 19th-century warfare. Despite falling ill with typhoid fever later in 1863, he continued to command his troops with dedication. He died in December 1863, remembered as one of the war's most skilled and forward-thinking cavalry commanders.

David Watson Taylor was born in 1864 in Albemarle County, Virginia, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy. As Director of Naval Construction, he revolutionized ship design with the Taylor Standard Series, improving hull performance and stability. Taylor rose to the rank of rear admiral and served as Chief of the Bureau of Construction and Repair from 1903 to 1910. His innovations laid the groundwork for modern naval architecture and influenced warship development during both World Wars. Taylor lectured at naval institutions and mentored generations of naval engineers until his death in 1940.

Charles Pelot Summerall was born in 1867 in Clarksville, Texas, and graduated from West Point in 1888. He excelled in artillery, rising to lead the 4th Division during World War I, earning the Distinguished Service Medal. From 1926 to 1927, Summerall served as Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, overseeing modernization efforts between the wars. After retirement, he became president of The Citadel in South Carolina, expanding its academic and military programs. Summerall passed away in 1955, remembered for his leadership and dedication to military education.

Born in Minnesota in 1889, Oren E. Long served as a U.S. Army officer during World War I before settling in Hawaii. He became a teacher and entered territorial politics, culminating in his appointment as governor in 1951. Long oversaw infrastructure development and championed Hawaiian statehood. Following statehood in 1959, he was elected as one of Hawaii’s first U.S. Senators, serving until 1963 and advocating for local interests in Congress. He died in Honolulu in 1965, remembered for his leadership during Hawaii’s transition to statehood.

Born in Gravenhurst, Ontario, Bethune studied medicine at the University of Toronto and served with the Canadian Army Medical Corps during World War I. After returning to Canada, he practiced surgery in Montreal and became known for his commitment to socialized medicine. In 1936, he volunteered for the Republican forces in the Spanish Civil War, where he introduced the first mobile blood transfusion service to the front lines. His techniques dramatically improved survival rates for wounded soldiers and set a new standard for military medicine. In 1938, Bethune traveled to China to aid Communist forces in the Second Sino-Japanese War, treating thousands of wounded troops. He died of septicemia in Hebei province in 1939 but left a legacy as a humanitarian hero, particularly revered in China. Bethune's work inspired advances in battlefield surgery and blood donation practices worldwide.

Born in 1898, Krebs began his military career in the Prussian Army during World War I. He rose through the ranks in the interwar Reichswehr and held various staff and command positions. During World War II, Krebs commanded corps and armies on the Eastern Front, notably leading forces in Crimea. In January 1945, he was appointed Chief of the General Staff of the German Army (OKH). Krebs attempted to negotiate an armistice with Soviet Marshals in May 1945 as Berlin fell. Facing certain defeat, he committed suicide on May 1, 1945, in the Führerbunker. He remains a controversial figure for his role in Germany's military campaigns and final days of the Third Reich.

Russell Reeder was born in 1902 and graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He served as a U.S. Army officer during World War II, taking part in key Pacific Theater campaigns and earning commendations for leadership. After retiring from active duty, Reeder turned to writing, producing memoirs and historical studies that captured the realities of combat. His well-researched books combined firsthand experience with meticulous scholarship, earning praise from both veterans and academics. Reeder's work helped illuminate the human dimensions of war and preserve the stories of soldiers. He passed away in 1998, leaving behind a body of literature valued for its insight and depth.

Frank Sleeman served with distinction as a lieutenant in the Australian Army during World War II, earning respect for his leadership. After returning to civilian life, he entered politics and was elected Lord Mayor of the City of Brisbane in 1976. Sleeman oversaw significant urban development projects and championed community programs during his tenure, which lasted until 1985. He played a central role in Brisbane's preparations for the 1982 Commonwealth Games. In recognition of his contributions, the city's premier aquatic center was named the Sleeman Sports Complex. Sleeman remained active in public service and veterans' affairs well after leaving office. He passed away in 2000, remembered as a dedicated leader and veteran.