April 29

Born in 1552, Agrippa d'Aubigné fought in the French Wars of Religion as a devoted Huguenot soldier. He served under Henry of Navarre and took part in key battles between Protestants and Catholics. His magnum opus, Les Tragiques, is a six-book poetic epic condemning religious persecution. D'Aubigné also penned memoirs and letters that provide vivid historical accounts of the era. His works combine classical form with fiery Protestant zeal. Forced into exile after the ascension of Louis XIII, he continued writing in Geneva. Agrippa d'Aubigné died on April 29, 1630, leaving a legacy of bold verse and witness to faith under fire.

Born in 1607 in Vlissingen, Michiel de Ruyter rose from humble origins to become lieutenant-admiral of the Dutch Republic. He commanded fleets in the First, Second, and Third Anglo-Dutch Wars, securing critical victories at the Battle of the Gabbard and the Four Days' Battle. His daring Raid on the Medway in 1667 struck a decisive blow against the English navy. De Ruyter was admired for his seamanship, tactical innovation, and humane leadership. He also fought against Barbary pirates and Swedish forces, broadening Dutch maritime dominance. He died from wounds sustained off Sicily on April 29, 1676. He is remembered as one of history's greatest naval commanders.

Henry Paget, 1st Marquess of Anglesey (1768–1854) was a distinguished British soldier and politician. He played a decisive role commanding the Allied cavalry at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, contributing to the defeat of Napoleon. For his military achievements, he was promoted to field marshal and honored with the title Marquess of Anglesey. Following his military career, he served as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland from 1828 to 1833, representing the Crown. Paget was known for his aristocratic bearing, fashionable lifestyle, and commitment to public duty. His life bridged both military valor and high political office during a transformative era in British history.

Wilhelm Ritter von Leeb was a German field marshal who rose through the army ranks to command Army Group North during the invasion of the Soviet Union. Born in 1876, he fought in the First World War and held various staff and command positions in the Reichswehr. In World War II, he led operations in Poland, France and on the Eastern Front, overseeing the siege of Leningrad. Von Leeb was considered a cautious commander but faced criticism for his conduct in occupied territories. After the war, he was tried for war crimes but ultimately released due to health issues. His strategies influenced the German high command’s operational planning during key campaigns. He died in 1956, leaving a controversial legacy as one of Germany’s highest-ranking officers.

Kenneth Anderson was a British Army officer who held key command posts before becoming Governor of Gibraltar. Born in 1891, he saw service in both world wars, achieving distinction through leadership roles in Europe and beyond. As Governor of Gibraltar, he oversaw the strategic fortress at the entrance to the Mediterranean and managed civil and military affairs. Anderson focused on fortifying defenses and improving living conditions for the garrison and local community. His tenure strengthened Gibraltar’s role as a vital naval base during the early Cold War period. After returning to Britain, he remained active in veterans’ affairs and military circles. Anderson passed away in 1959, remembered for his dedicated service to crown and country.

Born in 1906 in Quảng Ngãi, Phạm Văn Đồng joined the Indochinese Communist Party in the 1930s. He worked closely with Ho Chi Minh during the struggle for independence from France. As Prime Minister of North Vietnam from 1955 to 1976, he directed domestic policy and wartime governance. Following reunification, he became Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam until 1987. A skilled diplomat, he negotiated key treaties such as the Paris Peace Accords. His lengthy tenure made him the longest-serving head of government in Vietnamese history.

Born in 1919 in Gospić, Janko Bobetko joined the Yugoslav Partisans during World War II and rose through military ranks. He was appointed Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Army in 1992 amid the Homeland War. Bobetko played a central role in organizing Croatian defense against Yugoslav forces. Known for his strategic acumen, he coordinated major operations that secured key territories. After retiring, he remained a polarizing figure, facing legal scrutiny for wartime actions. Bobetko’s military leadership left a lasting impact on Croatia’s path to sovereignty.

Luis García Meza Tejada was born in 1929 and rose through the ranks of the Bolivian army to become its de facto leader from 1980 to 1981. He seized power in a violent coup d'état and presided over a regime marked by widespread human rights abuses and political repression. His tenure was also tainted by drug trafficking scandals, leading to international isolation. Ousted after a year of rule, García Meza was later tried and convicted for murder, treason, and corruption. His legacy remains a cautionary tale of authoritarian overreach in Latin American politics.