May 07

Born on May 7, 1530, Louis de Bourbon was a cousin of King Henry II of France and became the first Prince of Condé. He emerged as a leading figure in the Huguenot movement, advocating for Protestant rights in a predominantly Catholic kingdom. Condé displayed notable military leadership in the early conflicts of the French Wars of Religion, achieving victories at Rouen and Paris. He was captured after the Battle of Jarnac but later released in a prisoner exchange. His strategic alliances and battlefield tactics earned him a reputation as a fierce champion of the Protestant cause. Condé's influence continued through his descendants, who remained key players in French politics. He died in 1569 after being wounded at the Battle of Jarnac.

Born on May 7, 1724, in Strasbourg, von Wurmser entered the Austrian army as a young officer and distinguished himself in the Seven Years' War. He rose through the ranks to become a field marshal, noted for his siege warfare expertise and strategic acumen. Von Wurmser commanded Allied forces against Prussia and later led campaigns against revolutionary France. His notable actions include the defense of Mantua during Napoleon's Italian campaign. Despite eventual defeats, his leadership earned him high honors and respect among peers. He authored military treatises on fortification and siegecraft, influencing later European military thought. Von Wurmser died in Vienna in 1797, remembered as one of Austria's foremost commanders of his era.

Nikolai Arkharov was a Russian police officer and general during the reign of Catherine the Great. He was appointed head of Moscow police and is credited with establishing one of the earliest organized detective forces in Europe. Arkharov introduced reforms that improved criminal investigations and law enforcement efficiency across the Russian Empire. His innovative methods influenced later policing practices in Russia and beyond. Arkharov's legacy endures as a pioneer in modern law enforcement.

Born into Polish royalty as the nephew of King Stanislaus II Augustus, Poniatowski began his military career in the Polish army. He later joined Napoleon's forces and was promoted to Marshal of France in 1813. Poniatowski led Polish troops in many campaigns, including the celebrated defense at the Battle of Leipzig. His bravery and leadership earned him respect from allies and enemies alike. Severely wounded during the Battle of Leipzig, he drowned while trying to escape after the French defeat. Poniatowski remains a national hero in Poland for his dedication to his country and his role in the Napoleonic Wars.

William Bainbridge began his seafaring career in the late 18th century and quickly rose through the ranks of the U.S. Navy. He gained fame for his command of the USS Constitution, famously nicknamed 'Old Ironsides,' during the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812. Bainbridge survived capture by Tripolitan forces and later secured a daring victory over HMS Java. In 1815, he was appointed Commodore and served as Commander-in-Chief of the Navy's Mediterranean Squadron. His leadership and courage helped establish the reputation of the young American navy. Bainbridge died in 1833, leaving a legacy honored by multiple naval vessels bearing his name.

Born in 1889, Puskar initially served in the Russian Imperial Army before returning to Estonia after World War I. He distinguished himself in the Estonian War of Independence, earning promotion to the rank of colonel. During the interwar period, he held senior positions within Estonia's armed forces, contributing to their professional development. His leadership helped solidify the young nation's military structure in its formative years. Puskar passed away in 1943, remembered as a foundational figure in Estonian military history.

Born in 1892, Tito led the Yugoslav Partisans during World War II, forging one of Europe's most effective resistance movements. After the war, he became the Marshall and head of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. As president, he championed a non-aligned foreign policy that balanced relations between East and West during the Cold War. Domestically, he promoted unity among Yugoslavia's diverse ethnic groups and oversaw rapid industrialization. His charismatic leadership maintained the federation's cohesion until his death in 1980. Tito remains a pivotal and controversial figure in Balkan history.

Joe Rice is an American attorney, politician, and colonel in the Colorado Army National Guard. He represented Colorado's House District 38 from 2007 to 2011, serving as House Minority Leader. Before entering politics, he earned his law degree from the University of Colorado and worked as a trial lawyer. In the military, he commanded units during deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan. Following his legislative career, he became a senior executive in government relations and public policy.

Michael P. Murphy graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and earned his SEAL trident in 2001. In June 2005, during Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan, he left cover to call for help for his team. Despite overwhelming enemy fire, Murphy secured a communications link that saved lives but made him a target. He was mortally wounded but his actions were credited with preventing further casualties. Posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, Murphy’s heroism has been commemorated in books and the film Lone Survivor.