May 17

Albert of Brandenburg-Ansbach was born in 1490 into the Hohenzollern family. He became Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights in 1511 and led the Order in Prussia. Influenced by the Reformation, he secularized the Teutonic State in 1525, creating the Duchy of Prussia under Polish suzerainty. He ruled as Duke of Prussia, introducing Protestantism and modern administrative reforms. Albert died in 1568, and his actions laid the foundations for the rise of the Prussian state.

Born in Roxbury, Connecticut in 1743, Seth Warner became a key leader in the Green Mountain Boys, a militia formed in what is now Vermont. He played a pivotal role in the capture of Fort Crown Point in 1775, demonstrating his strategic acumen. Warner’s forces also participated in the historic siege of Fort Ticonderoga, securing crucial supplies for the Continental Army. Promoted to colonel, he took part in campaigns around Lake Champlain and shared the hardships of Valley Forge. Known for his courage and dedication, Warner was respected by both officers and enlisted men. He returned to civil life after the war and died in 1784, remembered as a local hero of the American independence movement.

Born in London in 1768, Henry Paget distinguished himself as a cavalry officer during the Napoleonic Wars. As commander of the British cavalry at the Battle of Waterloo, he led a decisive charge that helped secure victory, even as he lost a leg to enemy fire. Elevated to Marquess of Anglesey, he transitioned to politics and was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland in 1828. In that role, he oversaw civil administration during a period of social and religious reform. Paget was noted for his leadership, personal courage, and commitment to public service. He died in 1854, remembered both as a war hero and a dedicated statesman.

Napoleon Zervas founded and commanded the National Republican Greek League (EDES), a major resistance group against Axis occupation. He coordinated guerrilla operations in Epirus and secured Allied support for Greek liberation efforts. After the war, Zervas entered politics and held ministerial positions in post-war Greek governments. Known for his leadership and strategic acumen, he played a pivotal role in Greece's resistance movement. His legacy is marked by both his military achievements and his contributions to rebuilding Greece's political landscape.

Born in Belarus, Adler emigrated to Palestine and served as a captain in the British Army during World War I. He became a leading parasitologist at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, specializing in leishmaniasis. Adler's work identified new parasite species and developed diagnostic methods that improved public health in the Middle East. He trained generations of researchers and helped establish tropical medicine as a scientific discipline in Israel. His legacy endures in the ongoing fight against parasitic infections worldwide.

Michael James Beetham (1923–2015) was an English Royal Air Force pilot and senior commander. He saw combat service during World War II and excelled in operational planning. Beetham rose through the ranks to become Chief of the Air Staff from 1976 to 1977. As Marshal of the Royal Air Force, he oversaw modernization programs during the Cold War. He championed technological innovation and multinational cooperation within NATO. After retirement, he remained active in veteran affairs and public service.

David Ogilvy, 13th Earl of Airlie (1926–2023) was a Scottish peer who served with distinction in the Scots Guards during World War II. He inherited the earldom in 1983 and later became Lord Chamberlain to Queen Elizabeth II. Ogilvy also served as Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. In the House of Lords, he was active on issues of defense and Scottish affairs. Renowned for his dedication to public service, he played a significant role in preserving Scotland's heritage.

Rodric Braithwaite (born 1932) is a British former soldier and diplomat renowned for his expertise on Russia. He served in the Royal Air Force before joining the Foreign Office and held key posts during the Cold War. From 2000 to 2004, he was appointed British Ambassador to the Russian Federation. After retiring, he authored acclaimed books on Russian history and diplomatic relations. Braithwaite's analyses continue to inform scholars and policymakers on post-Soviet affairs.

As head of the Republican Guard and Iraqi Special Security Organization, Qusay Hussein wielded significant military and political power under his father’s regime. He oversaw internal security, intelligence operations, and elite military units. Known for his ruthless enforcement of order, he played a central role in suppressing opposition. During the 2003 Iraq War, Qusay became a primary target for coalition forces. He was killed in a U.S. raid in Mosul, marking a turning point in the fall of Saddam Hussein's government.