September 21

Flavius Aetius was born c. 396 and rose to become one of the most powerful men in the Western Roman Empire. He served as magister militum and skillfully managed alliances with barbarian federates. In 451, he led Roman and Visigothic forces to victory against Attila the Hun at the Catalaunian Plains, earning the title 'Last of the Romans.' He wielded immense political influence but fell victim to court intrigue and was assassinated by Emperor Valentinian III in 454. Aetius's career exemplifies the challenges of sustaining Roman power in the face of external threats and internal decay.

Lembitu of Lehola was a chieftain of the Sakala county in medieval Estonia and the first to unite Estonian tribes against German crusaders. He led his forces in several battles during the Northern Crusades, most notably at the Battle of St. Matthew's Day in 1217. Lembitu sought alliances with neighboring Finnic peoples to strengthen his position against the Livonian Brothers of the Sword. His leadership and defiance made him a symbol of Estonian independence. He fell in battle on September 21, 1217, but his legacy endures in Estonian cultural memory.

Richard FitzAlan, born in 1346, inherited the Earldom of Arundel and served as Admiral of the North and West under King Edward III. He fought in the Hundred Years' War and played a leading role in the 1370 expedition to France. As one of the Lords Appellant, he opposed the influence of King Richard II's favorites and helped curb royal excesses. His political stance led to his arrest and execution for treason on September 21, 1397. FitzAlan was known for his military leadership, loyalty to the Plantagenet dynasty, and his patronage of religious institutions.

Born in 1769 in Chartres, Marceau joined the revolutionary forces in 1792 and quickly rose to general by age 23. He distinguished himself at the Battle of Valmy and in campaigns along the Rhine, earning praise for his tactical ingenuity. Marceau was known for his deep concern for the welfare of his soldiers, often treating wounded enemies. His leadership during the suppression of the Vendée uprising demonstrated both firmness and mercy. Wounded in action near Altenkirchen in 1796, he succumbed to his injuries at just 27, leaving a legacy as one of France's youngest and most respected generals.

Artur Phleps was born in 1881 and pursued a military career in the Romanian Army, rising through the ranks to become a general. Known for his leadership and strategic knowledge, he oversaw troop deployments during a period marked by regional conflict and shifting alliances. Phleps navigated the challenges of modern warfare, adapting to new tactics and technologies. His tenure reflected Romania’s complex position in World War II. He died in 1944, leaving behind a record of service during one of Europe’s most tumultuous eras.

Ivan Bagramyan (1897-1982) was an Armenian-born Soviet military commander and the first non-Slavic officer to become Marshal of the Soviet Union. He served in World War I and the Russian Civil War before rising through the ranks of the Red Army. During World War II, Bagramyan led the 1st Baltic Front and the 3rd Belorussian Front, orchestrating critical operations such as the capture of Königsberg. His strategic acumen contributed to the Soviet advance into East Prussia and the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. After the war, Bagramyan held high command and administrative roles, including Deputy Minister of Defense. He was honored with numerous awards, including Hero of the Soviet Union. Bagramyan's memoirs offer insight into Soviet military leadership. His career symbolizes the global nature of the Allied victory in WWII.

Born in 1914 in Hustisford, Wisconsin, Glenn R. Davis served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army during World War II. After his military service, he was elected as a Republican to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1947. Davis represented Wisconsin’s 2nd and later 9th districts, focusing on veterans’ affairs and agricultural policy. He earned a law degree before entering politics and was known for his advocacy for rural communities. During his tenure, he supported post-war economic initiatives and infrastructure development. Davis remained active in public service following his congressional career, reinforcing his commitment to civic duty. He passed away in 1988, remembered for his leadership both in uniform and in government.

Born in 1917 in Odense, Denmark, Sven Hassel claimed to have served in the German Wehrmacht on the Eastern Front. After the war, he began writing under the pen name Sven Hassel, drawing on his wartime experiences. His debut novel, The Legion of the Damned, was published in 1953 and became an international bestseller. Hassel's books, known for their realistic battle scenes and dark humor, sold over 50 million copies worldwide. Although debates surround the authenticity of his military service, his stories continue to resonate with readers. He remained a prolific writer until his death in 2012, leaving behind a vast body of work on war and camaraderie.

Born in 1910, Bill King joined the Royal Navy, specializing in submarine warfare. He commanded several submarines, conducting covert missions and numerous patrols in enemy waters during World War II. King was recognized for his leadership under fire and awarded multiple decorations for his service. After the war, he served as a naval attaché and continued his naval career in various staff positions. In retirement, he wrote acclaimed memoirs, including Boldness Be My Friend and Two-Handed Engine, recounting his wartime experiences. His writings offer a firsthand account of submarine life and have become classics of naval literature.

Michael Harari (1927–2014) was a dedicated Israeli intelligence officer. Throughout his career, he held critical roles within Israel's security services, contributing to national defence and strategic operations. Harari was involved in clandestine missions and intelligence gathering during pivotal moments in history. He received commendations for his service and operational successes. Harari's expertise in intelligence methods influenced subsequent generations of operatives. After retiring, he remained a respected figure in security circles and shared his experiences through lectures. His contributions to Israel's intelligence community left a lasting legacy.