October 26

Born in 1473 into the Wettin dynasty, Friedrich of Saxony was elected Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights in 1498. He sought to strengthen the order’s financial and military organization amid challenges from neighboring states. Friedrich introduced reforms to improve discipline and streamline governance across Prussian holdings. He negotiated with the Polish crown to maintain the order’s autonomy and defended its interests in regional conflicts. His leadership shaped the Teutonic Knights’ evolution until his death in 1510.

Henry Wilmot (1612–1658) emerged as a leading cavalry commander for King Charles I. He distinguished himself at the Battle of Edgehill and various engagements throughout the war. In recognition of his loyalty, Charles II created him Earl of Rochester in 1652. Wilmot’s bold tactics and leadership made him a respected figure among Royalist forces. After the fall of the monarchy, he went into exile and supported Charles II’s restoration efforts. His military career left a lasting impact on Royalist strategy during the Civil War.

Kurt Christoph Graf von Schwerin (1684–1757) rose through the ranks of the Prussian army under Frederick William I. He demonstrated exceptional leadership at the battles of Mollwitz and Chotusitz. Promoted to field marshal by King Frederick the Great, he played a crucial role in the Second Silesian War. Schwerin was known for his strategic acumen and personal bravery on the battlefield. He fell in combat during the siege of Prague in 1757, earning lasting honor among Prussian officers. His military reforms and mentor role influenced the effectiveness of Prussian forces.

Born into the prominent Sanguszko noble family in 1768, Erazm Sanguszko embarked on a military career amid the turbulent years of Polish struggles for sovereignty. He fought as a commander during the Kościuszko Uprising of 1794, demonstrating leadership in the face of overwhelming odds. With the rise of Napoleon, Sanguszko continued his service as a general in the Duchy of Warsaw’s army, contributing to key campaigns across Europe. Following the Congress of Vienna, he transitioned into politics within Congress Poland, serving in high-level military and governmental roles. He advocated for military modernization and supported efforts to strengthen Polish autonomy under foreign rule. His career bridged battlefield command and civil governance, illustrating the complexities of Polish national aspirations in the early 19th century. Erazm Sanguszko died in 1844, remembered as a patriot who dedicated his life to Poland’s military and political causes.

Helmuth Karl Bernhard von Moltke, born in 1800, became one of the most influential military leaders of the 19th century. As Chief of the Prussian General Staff from 1857 to 1888, he introduced systematic planning and modern staff organization. Moltke led Prussian forces to victory in the Austro-Prussian War of 1866 and the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71. His strategic theories emphasized rail mobility, decentralized command, and meticulous preparation. Under his leadership, Prussia emerged as a dominant military power, paving the way for German unification. Moltke’s writings on strategy and history influenced military thought well into the 20th century. He retired with the title of Field Marshal and was revered as a national hero in the newly formed German Empire. Moltke died in 1891, leaving a legacy as a pioneer of modern military staff work and strategy.

Vasily Vasilyevich Vereshchagin, born in 1842, served as an officer in the Russian army and witnessed battles firsthand. He channeled his wartime experiences into powerful paintings depicting the brutal realities of 19th-century warfare. Vereshchagin traveled across Asia and Europe, creating panoramic battle scenes and portraits of soldiers. His unvarnished style, focusing on the human cost of conflict, stirred controversy and acclaim in equal measure. Among his notable works are The Apotheosis of War and scenes from the Russo-Turkish War. Vereshchagin’s art challenged romanticized views of war and influenced future generations of war artists. He died in 1904, leaving a legacy as one of Russia’s most significant painters of military subjects.

Ray Crawford served as a fighter pilot in World War II, achieving six aerial victories before joining Hughes Aircraft as a test pilot. Transitioning to motorsport, he co-founded the Scarab racing team and won prestigious races such as the 12 Hours of Sebring. Known for his technical expertise and fearless driving, Crawford competed around the world and helped popularize sports car racing in the United States. He later held executive roles in the aviation industry, blending his passions for flight and racing. Crawford’s versatile career left a lasting legacy in both military aviation and motorsport.

Boyd Wagner joined the U.S. Army Air Corps before World War II and was deployed to the Philippines in 1941. He quickly established himself as a skilled fighter pilot, downing multiple Japanese aircraft in the war's opening days. Wagner became the first American fighter ace of World War II, earning the Distinguished Service Cross for his valor. After returning to the United States, he served as an instructor and squadron leader. Tragically, he was killed in a training accident in early 1942. His pioneering achievements inspired fellow pilots and boosted American morale at a critical moment. Wagner is remembered as one of the early heroes of military aviation.