March 12

Born in 1795 in Virginia, George Tyler Wood served as a U.S. Army officer, including action during the War of 1812. After moving to Texas, he became active in the new republic’s political scene, serving in its legislature and as a judge. In 1847, Wood was elected Governor of the State of Texas, where he oversaw the establishment of public institutions and managed frontier conflicts. His administration focused on education and internal improvements. Wood returned to private life after his term but remained a respected figure in Texas history until his death in 1858.

Born in England in 1807, Major James Abbott joined the British Indian Army and quickly rose through the ranks. He played a significant role in the administration of the North-West Frontier region. In 1853, Abbott founded the town of Abbottabad (in present-day Pakistan), which he planned as a military cantonment and hill station. Abbott was known for his fairness in dealing with local tribes and for his contributions to frontier governance. His legacy lives on in the city that bears his name and in the accounts of his service in colonial India.

Born in Paris in 1815, Louis-Jules Trochu pursued a military career and distinguished himself in campaigns across Europe. He published works on military tactics and held several high-ranking commands. During the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–71, Trochu was appointed head of the Government of National Defense, becoming de facto leader of France after Napoleon III’s capture. His leadership during the Siege of Paris was controversial, and he resigned after the armistice. Trochu spent his later years writing memoirs on military strategy and politics before his death in 1896.

Born in 1863, D'Annunzio rose to fame with his passionate poetry and flamboyant prose. He served with distinction during World War I and became a national hero. As a playwright and novelist, his works like The Pleasure captured the spirit of the Italian Decadent movement. D'Annunzio led the occupation of Fiume in 1919, showcasing his flair for political theater. His style and nationalist fervor later influenced the cultural landscape of early 20th-century Italy. He remained active in literature and politics until his death in 1938.

Luitpold Steidle (1898–1984) was a German military officer who served in both World Wars before transitioning to politics. After WWII, he joined the Christian Democratic Union and was elected to the Landtag of Württemberg-Baden, where he focused on veterans' affairs. He later served as a member of the Bundestag, contributing to post-war reconstruction and democratic reforms in West Germany. Steidle advocated for social welfare policies and played a role in integrating former military personnel into civilian life. His career bridged military service and parliamentary leadership during a transformative era in German history.

Walter M. “Wally” Schirra Jr. was a U.S. Navy Commander and one of NASA's original Mercury Seven astronauts. He flew the Sigma 7 mission in 1962, Gemini 6A in 1965, and commanded Apollo 7 in 1968. Schirra remains the only astronaut to have flown in all three of NASA’s first human spaceflight programs. He was known for his outgoing personality and coined the phrase “the right stuff.” After retiring from NASA and the Navy, he worked as a television commentator and public speaker.

Ratko Mladić (born 1943) is a retired general of the Bosnian Serb Army who led military operations during the Bosnian War from 1992 to 1995. He was indicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia on charges of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. In 2017, Mladić was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in the Srebrenica massacre and the siege of Sarajevo. Known as the 'Butcher of Bosnia,' his leadership remains one of the most controversial aspects of the Yugoslav conflicts. Prior to the war, Mladić had a long career in the Yugoslav People's Army, rising from junior officer to high command. His trial at The Hague lasted nearly five years and included testimonies from survivors and experts. The verdict was hailed by some as a milestone for international justice but was criticized by nationalist circles in Serbia. Mladić's conviction underscores the ongoing challenges of reconciliation and accountability in the Balkans.

Tammy Duckworth (born 1968) was commissioned in the Illinois Army National Guard and flew Black Hawk helicopters during the Iraq War. In 2004, her helicopter was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade, resulting in the loss of both legs and damage to her right arm. After recovering, she served as Assistant Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, advocating for wounded servicemembers. Duckworth was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 and to the Senate in 2016, becoming the first female double amputee in Congress. She champions veterans’ rights, disability issues, and bipartisan cooperation on national security.