March 20

Pierino Belli combined his experience as a soldier with legal scholarship to shape early military jurisprudence. In 1563, he published De re militari et de bello, one of the first treatises on the laws of war. Belli served under the Gonzaga dukes of Mantua and the Spanish Habsburgs in Italy. His writings addressed the conduct of armies, treatment of prisoners, and wartime customs. The work influenced later thinkers like Hugo Grotius and laid foundations for modern international law. Belli’s legacy endures in studies of military ethics and the regulation of armed conflict.

Ferris Jacobs Jr. served as a Union Army officer during the American Civil War, rising to the rank of brevet brigadier general. After the war, he studied law and established a practice in New York. Jacobs later entered politics and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for one term. As a congressman, he focused on veterans' affairs and regional development. His multifaceted career spanned military service, law, and public office.

Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck (1870–1964) led the Schutztruppe in German East Africa through a remarkable 600-day guerrilla campaign against Allied forces. His strategic leadership tied down thousands of British and Allied troops, earning him the nickname 'Lion of Africa.' After the war, he served in the Reichswehr and later engaged in conservative politics. Lettow-Vorbeck’s tactical ingenuity and endurance in harsh conditions remain studied by military historians. He is remembered as one of Germany’s most skilled colonial commanders.

Born on March 20, 1916, in Vincennes, France. Messmer joined the Free French Forces during World War II and rose to the rank of lieutenant. After the war, he held key roles in colonial administration and served as Minister of Armies during the Algerian War. Named Prime Minister by President Georges Pompidou, he led the government through economic challenges and social change. After leaving office in 1974, he remained active in public affairs and historical research. He passed away in 2007, remembered for his leadership and dedication to France.

Born on March 20, 1917, in Jerusalem. Yadin served as Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. After his military career, he pursued archaeology, excavating sites such as Masada and Hazor. Entering politics, he became Deputy Prime Minister under Levi Eshkol and Menachem Begin. He authored influential works on the Dead Sea Scrolls and biblical history. He died in 1984, remembered for his diverse contributions to Israel’s security, scholarship, and governance.

Born in 1918, Donald Featherstone served as a soldier and developed a passion for military history. After World War II, he authored over 60 books on military history and wargaming, becoming a pioneer in the hobby. He founded the British Wargames Society in 1955 to promote tabletop simulation. His works influenced enthusiasts worldwide and helped establish wargaming as a mainstream pastime. Featherstone’s clear writing style and historical insights made him a respected authority. He passed away in 2013 at age 95.

Born in 1919 in Prüm, Germany, Gerhard Barkhorn joined the Luftwaffe in 1937. He served with distinction during the Battle of Britain and on the Eastern Front, flying over 1,100 missions. Barkhorn achieved 301 confirmed aerial victories, making him the second highest-scoring fighter ace in history. He was awarded the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords for his combat achievements. After World War II, he joined the West German Air Force, rising to colonel and training new pilots. Barkhorn’s skill and discipline became legendary among military aviators. He died in 1983, remembered as a masterful tactician.

Yuri Shargin, born in 1960, trained as an aerospace engineer before joining the Russian Air Force and achieving the rank of colonel. In 1996, he was selected for cosmonaut training by Roscosmos and flew his only space mission in 2002 aboard Soyuz TM-34 to the International Space Station. During the mission, he conducted technical experiments and system tests crucial to station operations. After returning to Earth, Shargin contributed to training new cosmonauts and served in various engineering roles within the space program. He is one of the few military officers to transition from combat aviation to human spaceflight. His experiences have been documented in technical journals and public outreach events. Shargin’s career bridges military service and space exploration achievements.