July 28

Friedrich Wilhelm von Bismarck (1783–1860) served as an officer in the Hanoverian army before retiring to pursue literary interests. He traveled extensively across Europe, documenting his observations in popular travelogues and novels. His writings combined detailed topographical descriptions with cultural and historical insights. von Bismarck’s work contributed to the 19th-century fascination with travel literature and Romanticism. He remained active in literary circles until his death in 1860.

Stefan Dunjov was a Bulgarian colonel who played a significant role in the Hungarian Revolution of 1848. Born in 1815 in Vidin, he joined the revolutionary forces fighting for independence from the Habsburg Empire. He quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the few foreign officers to attain the rank of colonel. Dunjov's leadership in key battles demonstrated his tactical skill and commitment to liberal ideals. After the revolution's defeat, he was imprisoned and later returned to Bulgaria, where he continued to be celebrated as a national hero. He died in 1889, remembered for his bravery and dedication to freedom.

Huseyn Khan Nakhchivanski was a cavalry general in the Russian Imperial Army, born in 1863. He hailed from the Nakhchivanski noble family in Azerbaijan and graduated with honors from the Nicholas Cavalry School. During World War I, he commanded the Guard Cavalry Division, distinguishing himself in major battles on the Eastern Front. He received high military honors for bravery and tactical skill, earning the respect of soldiers and officers alike. After the October Revolution, he was arrested by the Bolsheviks and executed in 1919. His legacy endures as one of the notable Muslim generals in Russian military history.

Born in 1930 in Toronto, Ramsey Muir Withers graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada before beginning his service in the Canadian Forces. Over his career he held key command positions, from battalion leadership to NATO assignments in Europe. In 1983 he was appointed Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, overseeing strategic planning and modernization during the final years of the Cold War. Withers was known for his analytical approach to military strategy and his advocacy for stronger defence capabilities. After retiring from active service, he served as Deputy Minister of National Defence, advising the government on defence policy. He authored several papers on security and military affairs, contributing to Canada’s defence discourse. Recognized with the Order of Military Merit, Withers influenced a generation of Canadian military leaders. He died in 2014.

Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1932, Carlos Alberto Brilhante Ustra graduated from the Brazilian Military Academy in 1954. He served as head of the DOI-CODI intelligence agency in São Paulo during the 1970s military dictatorship, overseeing internal security operations. Ustra was accused by numerous former political prisoners of orchestrating systematic torture and human rights abuses. In 2008 he became the first Brazilian official convicted of torture, a landmark ruling in the country’s pursuit of justice for dictatorship-era crimes. He defended his actions as necessary anti-communist measures, becoming a polarizing figure in Brazil’s military and political discourse. After retiring from active service, he remained influential within conservative military circles and veteran organizations. His case continues to spark debate over accountability and reconciliation in Brazil’s democratic transition. Ustra died in 2015, leaving a controversial legacy that still resonates in Brazilian society.

Peter John Cosgrove (born July 28, 1947) is a retired senior officer of the Australian Army and served as the 26th Governor-General of Australia. Commissioned into the Royal Australian Infantry Corps in 1967, he led troops in East Timor and was awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia for his leadership. Cosgrove was appointed Chief of the Defence Force in 2002, overseeing Australian military operations until his retirement in 2005. His tenure as Governor-General saw him act as the Queen's representative, engaging in charitable work and national ceremonies. Known for his strategic acumen and dedication to service, he remains a highly respected figure in both military and public life.

Hugo Chávez was a Venezuelan military officer and politician, born in 1954 in Sabaneta. He led a failed coup attempt in 1992 and later founded the Fifth Republic Movement. Chávez was elected President of Venezuela in 1998, initiating the Bolivarian Revolution. His socialist policies emphasized wealth redistribution, social welfare, and nationalization of key industries. Under his leadership, Venezuela saw significant social programs but also controversies over press freedom and economic management. Chávez remained president until his death in 2013, leaving a profound impact on Venezuelan and Latin American politics.