August 27

Alexander Farnese (1545–1592) was the Duke of Parma and Piacenza who served as Governor-General of the Spanish Netherlands. He distinguished himself as a military strategist during the Eighty Years' War, recapturing key cities such as Antwerp and Maastricht. His diplomatic skills enabled him to negotiate with rebellious provinces while maintaining Spanish authority. He reorganized the Spanish army and introduced innovative siege tactics that influenced European warfare. Farnese's leadership consolidated Spanish power and left a lasting impact on the region's political landscape.

Zheng Chenggong (1624–1662), known to Westerners as Koxinga, was a Chinese military leader dedicated to restoring the Ming dynasty. He built a powerful navy and led the successful siege of Fort Zeelandia, driving Dutch colonial forces out of Taiwan. His establishment of a Han Chinese administration on the island laid the groundwork for Taiwan's future development. Koxinga's resistance against the Qing dynasty made him a symbol of loyalty and anti-colonialism. His short, dramatic career has inspired countless works of art, literature, and folklore across East Asia.

Otto Ferdinand von Abensberg und Traun (1677–1748) was an Austrian field marshal and member of the prestigious Abensberg und Traun family. He entered military service in the Habsburg army and gained fame for his leadership at the Battles of Turin and Zenta. He served under Prince Eugene of Savoy and played a vital role in the Austro-Turkish War of 1716–1718. Elevated to field marshal in 1734, he oversaw army reforms and recruitment. He was celebrated for his tactical skill and his contributions to Austria’s military successes in the early 18th century.

Agustín Gamarra (1785–1841) was a Peruvian military leader and statesman who played a key role in the nation’s early republican era. He fought in the wars of independence against Spain and rose to prominence as a general. Gamarra first became President of Peru in 1829 and was elected again in 1839. He sought to expand Peru’s influence, leading a campaign against Bolivia, where he was killed at the Battle of Ingavi. His tenure was marked by efforts to stabilize the young republic and promote economic development. Gamarra’s legacy remains controversial for his expansionist policies and his authoritarian style.

Charles G. Dawes served as a brigadier general during World War I, organizing U.S. Army logistics in France. He was elected Vice President under President Calvin Coolidge from 1925 to 1929. As chair of the committee on reparations, Dawes co-created the Dawes Plan, earning him the 1925 Nobel Peace Prize. He also had a successful banking career, including founding the Central Republic Bank in Chicago. Dawes’s work in diplomacy and finance helped stabilize post-war Europe and strengthen U.S. economic ties.

Hong Beom-do commanded the Korean Righteous Army in a series of successful engagements against Japanese forces. He achieved a landmark victory at the Battle of Bongo-dong in 1920, bolstering Korean resistance. Facing increasing pressure, Hong and his followers eventually went into exile in the Soviet Union. His leadership and courage made him a symbol of Korea’s struggle for independence. Hong’s legacy continues to inspire modern Korean movements for national sovereignty.

Wrangel served as a senior officer in the Imperial Russian Army during World War I. After the Bolshevik Revolution, he became a leading general of the anti-communist White movement. He reorganized and strengthened his forces in southern Russia, enacting reforms to boost morale. Under his command, he sought to balance military necessity with civilian administration. Defeated by the Red Army, he went into exile and continued supporting anti-Soviet efforts. Wrangel is remembered for his strategic leadership and contested legacy in Russian history.

Born Athanasios Klaras on August 27, 1905, he adopted the nom de guerre Aris Velouchiotis. He led the Greek People’s Liberation Army (ELAS), the military wing of the National Liberation Front (EAM). Under his command, ELAS grew into the largest resistance force in occupied Europe. Velouchiotis was known for his guerrilla tactics against Axis occupiers and efforts to unite partisan groups. His role was controversial, marked by political clashes with other Greek factions and postwar repression. He died by suicide in 1945 amid the turbulent Civil War period, becoming a polarizing symbol in Greek history. His legacy endures in debates over resistance, ideology, and national unity.

Born in 1920, James Molyneaux served in the British Army during World War II before entering politics. He was elected Member of Parliament for South Antrim in 1970 and held the seat for nearly three decades. Molyneaux became leader of the Ulster Unionist Party in 1979, guiding his party through the Troubles with a focus on unionist principles. He was known for his steadfast advocacy for Northern Ireland's place in the United Kingdom. In 2010, he was created a life peer as Baron Molyneaux of Killead, continuing his public service in the House of Lords. He passed away in 2015, remembered as a prominent figure in Northern Irish politics.

Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, Bob Kerrey served as a Navy SEAL lieutenant in the Vietnam War, where he earned the Medal of Honor for his leadership and bravery. After retiring from the military, he entered politics and was elected the 35th Governor of Nebraska, serving from 1983 to 1987. In 1989, he began his tenure as a United States Senator, focusing on education, agriculture, and foreign policy over two terms. Following his Senate career, Kerrey became president of The New School in New York City and championed educational and humanitarian initiatives. He later founded a nonprofit organization dedicated to global development and community resilience, continuing his lifelong commitment to public service.