May 29

Philippe de Mézières served in the armies of the Hundred Years' War and later acted as a diplomatic counselor to King Charles V of France. He authored 'La Légende du Chevalier Christien', a treatise that advocated for renewed crusading efforts and outlined ideals of Christian knighthood. His writings combined practical military experience with moral and theological reflections, earning him respect among European courts. Mézières also produced devotional texts and poetry, promoting piety among the nobility. His intellectual contributions influenced the discourse on chivalry and inspired later crusading plans. He died in 1405, leaving a legacy as one of the era's most articulate defenders of knightly virtue.

Ulubatlı Hasan gained renown during the final Ottoman assault on Constantinople in 1453 when he scaled the city walls and raised the Ottoman standard under heavy fire. His act of bravery inspired fellow soldiers amid fierce Byzantine resistance. According to tradition, he remained on the ramparts, holding the flag aloft until he was struck down. His sacrifice became emblematic of Ottoman courage and contributed to the successful conquest of the Byzantine capital. Over time, his story has been immortalized in Turkish literature, folklore, and art. Though precise historical details are limited, Hasan is commemorated as a national hero in Turkey.

Born in 1629, Cornelis Tromp was the son of Admiral Maarten Tromp and followed his father into naval service for the Dutch Republic. He earned a reputation for bold tactics and personal bravery in battles against the English and French fleets. Tromp commanded the flagship De Zeven Provinciën at the Battle of Scheveningen and later became lieutenant-admiral of the Zealand Admiralty. He briefly served Denmark’s navy before returning to Holland, where he continued to influence naval strategy. Tromp’s career was marked by both triumphs and controversies over his aggressive style. He died in 1691, remembered as one of the greatest seafarers of his era.

Born in 1718 in Salem Village, Massachusetts, Israel Putnam began his military career in the French and Indian War. As a fervent Patriot, he was appointed a general in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Putnam commanded troops at the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775, where his order, 'Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes,' became legendary. He later served in various campaigns in New York and Canada, often leading from the front. After the war, Putnam remained an active figure in Connecticut politics and community affairs. He died in 1790 following injuries from a horseback accident, leaving a legacy as one of America’s early military heroes.

Born in 1720 in Stockholm, Carl Fredrik Pechlin joined the Swedish Army and rose to the rank of general, distinguished for his service in Pomerania. Beyond his military career, he became an influential member of the Riksdag of the Estates, where he led factions and negotiated power between the Hats and the Caps parties. Pechlin’s political maneuvering played a key role in shaping Swedish foreign and domestic policy during the Age of Liberty. He was implicated in controversies over royal authority and was accused of protecting conspirators in the 1792 assassination of King Gustav III. His dual roles in the army and parliament made him a pivotal yet controversial figure. Pechlin died in 1796, remembered for his complex legacy in Swedish military and political history.

Emmanuel de Grouchy, Marquis de Grouchy, was a French general who served during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. He rose through the ranks and was made Marshal of France in 1815. At the Battle of Waterloo, he was tasked with leading a detachment to pursue the Prussian army but failed to join Napoleon’s forces in time. His absence has been debated by historians as a factor in France's defeat. After the Bourbon Restoration, he was exiled before eventually returning to France. His military career remains a subject of study for its impact on Napoleonic strategies.

Winfield Scott was a United States Army general who served for over 50 years, earning the nickname 'Old Fuss and Feathers' for his strict discipline and formal style. He led troops in the War of 1812, the Mexican–American War, and other conflicts, rising to become one of the most prominent military figures of his time. Scott also practiced law and ran as the Whig candidate for president in 1852. He devised the Anaconda Plan during the early days of the Civil War, influencing Union strategy. Despite his military success, his presidential bid was unsuccessful. Scott’s legacy includes modernizing the U.S. Army and shaping American military doctrine.

Martin Gottfried Weiss was a senior SS officer in Nazi Germany known for his role in the administration of concentration camps. He served as commandant of Dachau and other camps, overseeing prisoners under harsh conditions. Born in 1905, Weiss joined the SS and rose through the ranks, earning the trust of Heinrich Himmler. After the war, he was tried by American military tribunals for crimes against humanity. He was convicted and executed in 1946.

Dimitrios Levidis served as a soldier in World War I before dedicating himself to classical composition. Born in 1885, he studied music in France and produced orchestral and chamber works influenced by his wartime experiences. Levidis's dual Greek-French identity enriched his musical style, blending Mediterranean melodies with Western harmonies. His compositions often explored themes of struggle and hope, reflecting the era's turbulent history. Though his name is less known today, his works remain a testament to early 20th-century European music.

Born in 1909 in Phoenix, Goldwater served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II and later in the Air Force Reserve, reaching the rank of brigadier general. Elected to the Senate in 1952, he became a leading voice for limited government and individual liberty. His 1964 presidential campaign, though unsuccessful, energized a conservative base that reshaped the Republican Party. Goldwater's 1960 book 'The Conscience of a Conservative' became a foundational text for conservative thinkers. He returned to public service in the Senate from 1969 to 1987, advocating for civil rights and privacy protections. Goldwater died on May 29, 1998, leaving a complex legacy as both a political maverick and patriot.

George Rochberg was born in 1918 in New Jersey. He served as an infantry officer during World War II and was awarded several honors. After the war, he studied composition and emerged as a leading avant-garde composer. His early works embraced serial techniques, but after his son's death, he shifted toward a more lyrical style. Rochberg's music often juxtaposed modern and traditional idioms, influencing generations of composers. He taught at the University of Pennsylvania for over three decades. He died in 2005, leaving a diverse catalog of chamber, orchestral, and solo works.

Born in 1917, Bill Clements served as a U.S. Army officer during World War II, earning the rank of master sergeant. After the war, he founded the Clements Oil Company and became a prominent figure in the Texas oil industry. In 1979, Clements was elected Governor of Texas, becoming the first Republican to hold the office since the 19th century. He served two non-consecutive terms, implementing conservative fiscal policies and educational reforms. Clements's leadership reshaped Texas politics and paved the way for the state's modern Republican dominance.