November 11

Ottavio Piccolomini (1599–1656) was an eminent Austrian-Italian nobleman and field marshal in the army of the Holy Roman Empire during the Thirty Years' War. Born into the distinguished Piccolomini family of Siena, he rose through the ranks for his tactical skill and bravery. Piccolomini commanded forces in key battles such as Lützen, where he demonstrated strategic acumen. His negotiations and political connections at the imperial court bolstered Habsburg influence. After the war, he served as governor in various Italian territories, applying his administrative talents. His memoirs and correspondence offer valuable insights into the military and diplomatic history of 17th-century Europe.

Franz Conrad von Hötzendorf was born in Penzing, Austria, in 1852. He rose through the ranks of the Austro-Hungarian Army to become Chief of the General Staff in 1906. Known for his aggressive advocacy of preemptive strikes, he influenced the empire's strategy at the outbreak of World War I. Conrad's plans directed Austro-Hungarian operations on both the Eastern and Balkan fronts, often at heavy human cost. He was relieved of his command in 1917 amid criticism of his tactics. After the war, he lived in Vienna until his death in 1925, leaving a controversial military legacy.

George S. Patton (1885–1945) was a senior United States Army officer famed for his bold leadership. He commanded the Seventh U.S. Army in the Mediterranean theatre and the Third Army in France. Patton’s aggressive tactics and rapid advances played a key role in the Allied victory. He was also an accomplished equestrian and military theorist, authoring works on tank warfare. His outspoken personality and controversial moments made him one of America’s most colorful military leaders.

Henry Wade (1914–2001) was an American soldier and lawyer best known for his long tenure as district attorney of Dallas County, Texas. He served in the military before entering law and was elected district attorney in 1951. Over his thirty-six-year career, Wade oversaw thousands of criminal cases and shaped the county's legal system. During his tenure, his office was a party to the landmark Roe v. Wade case. Wade's commitment to public service and legal integrity left a lasting impact on Texas jurisprudence.

Walter 'Graf Punski' Krupinski was born in Podles, East Prussia in 1920. He distinguished himself as a fighter pilot on both the Eastern and Western Fronts, claiming 197 aerial victories in over 1,100 combat missions. Known for his aggressive tactics and leadership, he rose to the rank of Hauptmann (Captain). After the war, he joined the newly formed West German Air Force (Bundesluftwaffe) and served as a NATO advisor. He authored memoirs detailing his wartime experiences and remained a controversial figure due to his service in the Nazi regime. Krupinski retired in 1976 and passed away in 2000.

Martin Špegelj served as a general in the Yugoslav People's Army before joining the Croatian cause. He was instrumental in organizing Croatia's defence forces during the early 1990s conflict. As the second Croatian Minister of Defence, he oversaw crucial military reforms and procurement. Špegelj advocated for a professional armed force and improved training for troops. After leaving office, he remained an influential voice on defence and national security issues. His leadership helped solidify Croatia's sovereignty during a turbulent period.