November 17

Born around 1045 into the prominent Melissenos family. He served as a military commander in Alexios I’s campaigns against the Seljuks. In 1080, he rebelled and declared himself emperor in western Anatolia. Emperor Alexios negotiated his submission and appointed him governor of Nicaea in 1081. Melissenos defended his province against external threats and managed its administration. He remained a loyal imperial vassal until his death in 1104, blending ambition with service.

Gazi Evrenos was born around 1288, likely of Byzantine Greek origin, and joined the service of the nascent Ottoman beylik. He became one of the empire’s most distinguished military commanders under Sultans Bayezid I and Murad I. Evrenos led numerous campaigns into the Balkans, securing territories in Greece and the western Balkans for the Ottomans. He founded several garrison towns and military outposts that bore his name, solidifying Ottoman presence in conquered lands. His career spanned over five decades, and he is remembered as a key figure in the expansion of Ottoman dominion before his death in 1417.

Born in 1542, Yoshitaka succeeded his father as the head of the Kuki clan's naval forces and became a trusted commander under Oda Nobunaga. He played a pivotal role in controlling Ise Bay, using innovative tactics and iron-plated atakebune warships. After Nobunaga's assassination, he aligned with Toyotomi Hideyoshi and led naval operations in the Kyushu Campaign and the Siege of Odawara. His command helped unify Japan under Hideyoshi's rule, showcasing the strategic importance of naval power. At the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, he fought for the Western Army and, facing defeat, committed ritual suicide. Yoshitaka's contributions advanced Japanese naval warfare and cemented the Kuki clan's reputation. His career exemplifies the shifting alliances and military innovations of the Sengoku period.

Born in 1594 to a prominent Bavarian noble family, he entered the service of the Holy Roman Empire and quickly rose through the ranks. As field marshal of the Catholic League, his Pappenheim Cavalry executed devastating charges at decisive engagements like the Battle of White Mountain in 1620. Known for his courage and strict discipline, he became one of the most feared commanders of the Thirty Years' War. At Lützen in 1632, he led repeated assaults against the Swedish army, where he was mortally wounded. His fearless tactics and leadership style influenced subsequent cavalry doctrine. Pappenheim's death was mourned as a major loss for the Catholic League and underscored the human cost of the conflict. His legacy endures in accounts of early modern military art and the brutal nature of 17th-century warfare.

Born in 1602, Budes inherited the title Comte de Guébriant and pursued a military career in the service of Cardinal Richelieu. He gained distinction fighting against Spanish forces in the Valtellina campaigns and was appointed a Marshal of France in 1643. Guébriant led French armies in the Rhineland, capturing key fortresses and securing French influence in the region. Renowned for his tactical skill and diplomatic acumen, he negotiated alliances with German Protestant princes. During the siege of Wolfenbüttel in 1643, he contracted the plague and died, depriving France of one of its most promising commanders. His efforts helped establish France as a dominant European power and shaped the later stages of the Thirty Years' War. Guébriant's career exemplified the intersection of military leadership and statecraft in 17th-century Europe.

Born in 1610 to a noble family, Montausier began his court career under Louis XIII before proving himself as a commander during the Fronde and the later stages of the Thirty Years' War. He led French forces with distinction in campaigns across Flanders and the Rhine, earning praise for his tactical acumen. In 1652, he was appointed governor of Guienne, where he managed civil and military affairs. Montausier also engaged in diplomatic missions, negotiating alliances to bolster France's position in Europe. Known for his refined manners and patronage of the arts, he hosted intellectual salons at his Parisian residence. His loyalty and service were rewarded with various honors at the court of Louis XIV. Montausier died in 1690, remembered as a versatile leader who shaped France's military and political landscape.

George Stephen Morrison (1919–2008) was a distinguished American naval officer who rose to the rank of rear admiral. During World War II, he served aboard several destroyers and earned commendations for his leadership in the Pacific theater. In the 1960s, Morrison commanded the aircraft carrier USS Bon Homme Richard and played a role during the Gulf of Tonkin incident. He later held key staff positions at the Pentagon and trained future naval leaders at the Naval War College. Morrison’s naval career spanned over three decades, marked by dedication to service and strategic acumen. Off duty, he was known as the father of Jim Morrison, the iconic frontman of The Doors. His legacy lives on through his contributions to mid-20th-century naval operations and his family’s cultural impact.

Born in 1915, Alfred Blake served as a colonel in the British Army during World War II. After the war, he pursued a legal career and was called to the Bar in England. He balanced his legal practice with community service and mentorship of young officers. Blake's dual commitment to military duty and the law defined his professional life. He passed away in 2013, leaving a respected legacy in both spheres.

Bill Frenzel was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and attended the University of Minnesota. He served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Reserve before entering politics. Frenzel was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1970 and represented Minnesota's 3rd congressional district from 1971 to 1991. During his tenure, he became known for his expertise in tax and trade policy, serving as a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee. After retiring from Congress, Frenzel joined the Brookings Institution as a senior fellow, focusing on fiscal and trade issues. He also served on various corporate and non-profit boards, contributing his legislative experience to public policy discourse. Frenzel passed away on November 17, 2014, leaving a legacy of bipartisan cooperation and policy expertise.