February 25

Anselm of Ribemont was a nobleman from the Frankish regions who answered Pope Urban II’s call in 1096. He traveled to the Holy Land with other knights and participated in the sieges of Nicaea and Antioch. He was present at the capture of Jerusalem in 1099, a pivotal moment of the crusade. His actions exemplify the role of lesser-known nobles in the campaign. He died later that year, leaving little recorded of his life beyond his crusading service.

Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, was born in 1566 at Netherwood, Wales. A favorite of Queen Elizabeth I, he rose quickly at court and was granted the title of Earl in 1594. He commanded troops against the Spanish in the Azores and led forces in the Nine Years' War in Ireland as Lord Lieutenant. His aggressive tactics strained relations with the queen, and his failed campaign in Ireland led to his recall. In 1601, he led an ill-fated rebellion against the royal government, resulting in his arrest and execution for treason. His life exemplifies the volatility of Elizabethan politics and the perils of courtly favor.

Albrecht von Wallenstein was born in 1583 into a noble family in Bohemia. He amassed great wealth during the early stages of the Thirty Years’ War by raising and outfitting armies for the Holy Roman Emperor. Elevated to Duke of Friedland, he commanded imperial forces in Germany, winning key victories at Dessau and Liegnitz. Wallenstein’s autonomy and ambition sparked suspicion at court, leading to his dismissal and reinstatement. His secret negotiations with Protestant powers ultimately resulted in his arrest and assassination in 1634. Wallenstein’s career reshaped military organization and politics in early modern Europe.

Daniel Greysolon, Sieur du Lhut (1639–1710), was a French soldier and explorer noted for his expeditions in North America. As an officer of the Compagnie des Cent-Associés, he established relations with Indigenous nations and mapped the western Great Lakes. His journeys laid the groundwork for French expansion into the Mississippi basin. The city of Duluth, Minnesota, commemorates his legacy. Du Lhut’s diplomatic skills helped secure fur trade alliances. He served as a key figure in early colonial administration, balancing exploration with negotiation. His accounts offer valuable insights into 17th-century Native American cultures and landscapes. Du Lhut’s name endures in geographical landmarks across the Great Lakes region.

Daniel James Jr. was a distinguished fighter pilot and military leader born in 1920. He served with valor in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. In 1975, he made history as the first African-American four-star general in the U.S. Air Force. Known for his leadership and advocacy for racial integration, he inspired generations of service members. James earned numerous decorations, including the Distinguished Service Medal. He retired in 1978 and left a lasting legacy of courage and equality.

Born in 1924, Dmitry Yazov fought on the Eastern Front during World War II and rose through the Soviet military ranks. As Minister of Defense from 1987 to 1991, he oversaw the armed forces during a period of political reform and easing tensions with the West. Yazov was one of the primary plotters in the 1991 August coup attempt against Mikhail Gorbachev, an event that accelerated the collapse of the Soviet Union. Following his arrest and release, he lived quietly in post-Soviet Russia. He was the last surviving Marshal of the Soviet Union until his death in 2020. His career reflected the tumultuous final years of the USSR.