May 12

Born in 1593, Thomas Wentworth rose through military service in Europe before entering royal administration. Appointed Lord Deputy of Ireland in 1632, he implemented sweeping reforms to strengthen royal authority and improve revenue. Elevated to Earl of Strafford, he became one of King Charles I’s most trusted ministers. His authoritarian policies and political influence, however, sparked fierce opposition in Parliament. Impeached and convicted of high treason, he was executed in 1641, becoming a martyr for royalist causes. His life and fall epitomize the tensions that led to the English Civil War.

Nicholas Repnin (1734–1801) was a Russian Field Marshal and diplomat instrumental in shaping Russian foreign policy. Appointed Governor-General of the Baltic provinces, he oversaw administrative and military reforms in Livonia and Estonia. Repnin led diplomatic missions across Europe, negotiating alliances and exerting Russian influence at the Peace of Teschen. He commanded troops during the Russo-Turkish War and was renowned for his strategic acumen. His tenure in Poland as ambassador sparked the 'Repnin Sejm', leaving a lasting impact on Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth politics. Repnin's career exemplified the expansion of Russian power under Catherine the Great. He was rewarded with noble titles and honors for his service to the empire.

J. E. B. Stuart (1833–1864) was a Confederate general renowned for his mastery of cavalry tactics. He conducted bold raids behind Union lines, gathering intelligence that shaped Confederate strategies. Stuart's flair for spectacle made him one of the most colorful figures of the Civil War. His actions at battles such as Chancellorsville and Gettysburg drew both praise and criticism. Stuart maintained a strict military code and trained his men for rapid, mobile warfare. His death at the Battle of Yellow Tavern marked a significant loss for the Confederacy. Stuart's legacy endures in military studies of cavalry operations and leadership under fire.

Born in 1896 in Saint Petersburg, Steiner served as an officer in the Imperial German Army during World War I. He joined the SS and rose to command the SS-Verfügungs-Division and III SS Panzer Corps. He was noted for his defensive operations in the Courland Pocket and at Budapest. Steiner was decorated with high honors but never stood trial for war crimes. After the war, he wrote memoirs and lived quietly until his death in 1966. His career remains controversial due to his association with the Nazi regime.