March 06

Ulric I was appointed margrave by Emperor Henry IV to secure the empire's border against Slavic incursions. He organized local defenses and fostered the settlement of Germanic populations in the Eastern Alps. Under his leadership, the House of Sponheim consolidated power in Carniola and surrounding territories. Ulric balanced martial responsibilities with economic initiatives, promoting trade routes through Alpine passes. His legacy set the foundation for the medieval governance of what is now Slovenia and southern Austria.

Alvise Loredan served as an admiral commanding Venetian fleets against Ottoman and Genoese rivals, safeguarding critical sea lanes. His strategic acumen secured victories that bolstered Venice's commercial dominance in the Mediterranean. Beyond naval leadership, he held diplomatic posts, negotiating alliances and trade agreements with Eastern powers. Loredan's contributions reinforced the stability and prosperity of the Venetian Republic. His legacy highlights the blend of martial prowess and political savvy characteristic of Venice's maritime empire.

In 1836, James Bonham, James Bowie, Davy Crockett, and William B. Travis joined the defense of the Alamo during the Texas Revolution. Bonham served as a courier tasked with seeking reinforcements and perished on his return. Bowie, famed for his frontier prowess, co-commanded the defenders alongside Travis. Crockett, the iconic Tennessee frontiersman and former U.S. congressman, volunteered with his riflemen. Travis, a lieutenant colonel, led the garrison against Santa Anna's forces and famously drew a line in the sand. Their courageous stand, though resulting in defeat, became a rallying symbol for Texan independence. They all fell when the Alamo fell on March 6, 1836, inspiring the cry 'Remember the Alamo!'

Charles Vane, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry, was born in 1778 into a distinguished Anglo-Irish aristocratic family. He pursued a military career and attained the rank of colonel in the British Army, participating in key campaigns of the Napoleonic era. Transitioning to politics, he was appointed Under-Secretary of State for War and the Colonies, overseeing administration of Britain’s global interests. Vane also engaged in diplomatic missions that shaped European relations. He balanced his roles as soldier and statesman during a period of significant geopolitical change. He died in 1854, remembered for his dual contributions to military and governmental service.

Born in 1807 in South Carolina, James Butler Bonham studied law before moving to Texas to join the fight for independence from Mexico. At the Alamo in 1836, he volunteered under Colonel Travis and became a trusted aide. Bonham rode through enemy lines to seek reinforcements, famously returning to the Alamo despite knowing the dire consequences. His bravery became legendary after he perished with the other defenders on March 6, 1836. Bonham’s courage and loyalty are commemorated in Texas history and memorials.

Born in 1796 in Kentucky, James 'Jim' Bowie became a renowned pioneer, land speculator, and folk hero. He gained fame for his skill with the now-iconic Bowie knife during a 1827 street duel in Mississippi. Bowie later settled in Texas and joined the revolution against Mexico, serving as a colonel and co-commander at the Alamo. He fell in battle on March 6, 1836, defending the fortress alongside fellow patriots. His name remains synonymous with frontier courage and the iconic weapon he popularized.

Born in 1786 in Tennessee, David 'Davy' Crockett became famous as a pioneer, hunter, and storyteller. He served in the Tennessee militia and was elected to the U.S. Congress, earning the nickname 'King of the Wild Frontier.' Crockett’s daring exploits and self-published autobiography made him a popular figure nationwide. In 1835, he traveled to Texas to support the revolution and joined the defenders of the Alamo in 1836. Crockett died on March 6, 1836, during the siege, cementing his legend in American history.

Born in 1809 in South Carolina, William Barret Travis moved to Texas to practice law and became an officer in the Texian Army. In early 1836, he assumed command of the Alamo garrison alongside James Bowie. Facing overwhelming Mexican forces, Travis penned the famous 'Victory or Death' letter appealing for reinforcements. He led the defenders with resolve until he was killed in the final assault on March 6, 1836. Travis is remembered as a symbol of Texan independence and bravery.

Born in 1882 in Aloja, Oskars Kalpaks graduated from the Tver Military School and served as an officer in the Russian Imperial Army during World War I. Following the collapse of the Russian Empire, he became the first commander of the newly formed Latvian national military units. Under his leadership, the Latvian forces secured critical positions against both Bolshevik and German troops. Kalpaks was known for his tactical skill, dedication to Latvian sovereignty, and ability to unite volunteers and regular troops. Tragically, he was killed in an ambush on March 6, 1919, while reconnoitering enemy positions. His death galvanized the Latvian independence movement, and he was posthumously honored as the first Commander of the Latvian Armed Forces. Kalpaks remains a national hero, remembered for his bravery during Latvia's struggle for independence.

Jürgen Stroop was born in 1895 in Detmold, Germany. He joined the SS and rose to the rank of SS-Gruppenführer, serving in various Nazi security and police roles. In 1943, Stroop led the brutal suppression of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, overseeing mass deportations and executions. His detailed reports of the operation, known as the Stroop Report, became infamous for their chilling efficiency. After the war, he was tried for war crimes by a Polish tribunal and executed in 1952. Stroop's actions remain a symbol of the Holocaust's atrocities and the Nazi regime's crimes.

Homer N. Wallin (1893–1984) was an American admiral who played a pivotal role in naval salvage and recovery efforts during and after World War II. Born in 1893, he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and served in various fleet assignments before the war. As head of Navy salvage operations, Wallin oversaw the recovery and repair of damaged vessels, most notably following the attack on Pearl Harbor. His leadership helped restore critical naval assets in record time. After retiring, he documented his experiences, contributing to naval engineering knowledge and operational readiness.

Mairéad Farrell (1957–1988) was an Irish Provisional IRA volunteer involved in the movement's campaign during the Troubles. Born in 1957, she joined the IRA in her youth and became part of the unit monitored by British intelligence. On March 6, 1988, Farrell was shot and killed by members of the British SAS during Operation Flavius in Gibraltar, alongside fellow volunteers Daniel McCann and Seán Savage. Her death sparked international controversy and debate over rules of engagement. Farrell is remembered as a committed activist and a symbol of the complex legacy of the Northern Ireland conflict.