March 08

Ferdinand von Zeppelin was a German general who envisioned and built lighter-than-air craft. He served in the Franco-Prussian War before dedicating himself to aviation innovations. In 1908, he founded the Luftschiffbau Zeppelin company to produce his rigid airships. His designs enabled early long-distance passenger and military flights, shaping the future of aviation. Despite financial and technical challenges, his legacy endures in modern airship technology.

Jack Churchill, nicknamed 'Mad Jack', was born in 1906 and served as a British Army officer during World War II. He led commando raids in Europe and the Mediterranean, often entering combat armed with a longbow and broadsword. Churchill is the only British soldier recorded to have killed an enemy with a longbow in the modern era. He also played the bagpipes to boost troop morale before engagements. After the war, he continued his military career and remained a celebrated figure for his daring exploits. His blend of tradition and fearlessness cemented his legend as one of the most unconventional soldiers of his time.

Aslan Maskhadov was born in 1951 in Chechnya and served as an officer in the Soviet Army. He rose to prominence commanding Chechen forces during the First Chechen War, negotiating the 1996 Khasavyurt Accord. Elected President of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria in 1997, he sought international recognition for Chechen independence. Maskhadov faced renewed conflict in the Second Chechen War, attempting peace negotiations amid rising violence. His dual role as military strategist and political leader made him a central figure in Chechnya's quest for autonomy. He was killed by Russian special forces in 2005, leaving a complex legacy in the region's history.

Ewald-Heinrich von Kleist-Schmenzin (1922-2013) was a German nobleman and Wehrmacht officer who took part in the 20 July 1944 assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler. Born into a prominent Prussian family, he joined the German Army in World War II but opposed the Nazi regime. After the failed plot, he survived Gestapo interrogations and imprisonment. Following the war, von Kleist founded the anti-communist Munich Conferences, promoting dialogue across the Iron Curtain. He later served as a publisher and author, documenting resistance efforts during the Third Reich. His life symbolized moral courage and the struggle for a democratic Germany.

William 'Wild Bill' Guarnere (1923-2014) was a U.S. Army staff sergeant who served with Easy Company of the 101st Airborne Division. Known for his courage and camaraderie, he fought in major campaigns including Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. Guarnere sustained serious injuries but refused evacuation, earning him respect among fellow soldiers. After the war, he co-authored 'Brothers in Battle, Best of Friends' recounting his wartime experiences. His steadfast leadership and indomitable spirit became emblematic of the 'Band of Brothers'. Guarnere remained active in veterans' organizations and memorial efforts throughout his life.