August 27

Qahtaba served as a key commander under Abu Muslim, leading Abbasid forces in Khurasan against Umayyad rule. He secured decisive victories, including the capture of Merv and Nishapur, paving the way for the Abbasid dynasty. Known for his strategic acumen and fierce loyalty to the Abbasid cause, he inspired his troops with bold leadership. He died in battle in 749, but his military campaigns remained pivotal to the establishment of Abbasid power.

Born in 1754 into a prominent South Carolina family, Laurens studied law in England and France before returning home at the outbreak of the American Revolution. He served as a colonel and aide-de-camp to General George Washington, earning respect for his leadership and bravery. Laurens passionately promoted the formation of an all-Black regiment, arguing that patriotism and freedom should be universal. He traveled to France on diplomatic missions, helping secure vital military support for the American cause. His extensive correspondence with Alexander Hamilton revealed both his political insight and personal convictions. Mortally wounded in a duel in 1782, Laurens died on August 27, leaving a legacy of early American abolitionist advocacy.

Born in Istanbul in 1879, Çiğiltepe graduated from the Ottoman Military Academy and rose through the ranks of the Ottoman Army. He fought in the Balkan Wars and World War I before joining Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s forces in the War of Independence. As a colonel, he played a key role in several engagements, demonstrating leadership and tactical skill. Çiğiltepe's dedication to the newly formed Republic of Turkey was emblematic of a generation of officers committed to national sovereignty. He died in 1922, shortly before the war’s end, and is remembered as a hero of Turkey’s founding struggle.

Born into a Prussian cavalry family, Georg von Boeselager served as a decorated officer in the German Army. He fought on multiple fronts during World War II, earning recognition for his command skill. Deeply opposed to Nazi ideology, he joined the resistance and took part in the July 20 assassination plot. After the failed coup, von Boeselager was arrested and executed by the Gestapo in 1944. His aristocratic background and sense of honor guided his decision to defy Hitler. Von Boeselager is remembered as one of the key military conspirators against the Nazi regime.

Born into the British royal family in 1900, Louis Mountbatten embarked on a naval career that spanned both world wars. As Supreme Allied Commander in Southeast Asia during World War II, he played a key role in the defeat of Japanese forces. In 1947, he was appointed the last Viceroy of India, overseeing the country's partition and transition to independence. Following independence, he served briefly as the first Governor-General of the Dominion of India. After World War II, he held high naval and court positions, including First Sea Lord and Chief of the Defence Staff. He remained a prominent public figure until his assassination by the IRA in 1979, which shocked the British establishment.

Avdy Andresson was born in 1899 and served as an officer in the Estonian Army during the early 20th century. Following Estonia's tumultuous path to independence, he transitioned into diplomatic service to advocate for his nation's interests abroad. Throughout his career, he represented Estonia at various international forums, working to maintain recognition of Estonian sovereignty. His work was particularly significant during periods of foreign occupation, when he helped preserve Estonia's diplomatic presence in exile. Andresson's dedication spanned decades of political upheaval, reflecting his unwavering commitment to his homeland. He passed away in 1990, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and service.

Pierre Poujade was a World War II veteran who turned to politics to defend small shopkeepers and artisans. He founded the Union for Defense of Tradesmen and Artisans (UDCA), known as the Poujadist movement, in 1953. Poujadism tapped into anti-establishment sentiment and won 52 seats in the French National Assembly in 1956. His movement protested high taxes, bureaucracy, and perceived favoritism toward large enterprises. While initially popular, internal divisions and the rise of Gaullism led to its decline by the early 1960s. Poujade's legacy is often cited as an early example of right-wing populism in post-war Europe.

Sir Richard Kingsland (1916–2012) was an esteemed Australian RAAF pilot and public servant. During World War II, he flew combat missions in Europe and the Pacific, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar. After the war, he joined the Commonwealth Public Service, holding senior roles including Secretary of the Department of Health. Knighted in 1979 for his service, he played a key role in shaping Australian defence policy and public administration. Kingsland's career exemplified dedication to both his country and the advancement of government efficiency.