November 20

Philip Schuyler was a leading general in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. He organized the successful campaign to secure Fort Ticonderoga in 1775. After the war, Schuyler served as one of New York's first United States senators. He advocated for infrastructure projects like canal and road construction to boost the economy. Born into a prominent family, his daughter Elizabeth married Alexander Hamilton. Schuyler's military and legislative careers left a lasting impact on state and national affairs. His dedication to public service spanned both battlefield leadership and legislative governance.

Louis-Alexandre Berthier was a marshal of France and Napoleon Bonaparte's trusted chief of staff. He translated Napoleon's strategic plans into detailed orders for the Grande Armée. After the 1809 Battle of Wagram, he was made the 1st Prince of Wagram for his service. Berthier's administrative skill ensured efficient supply lines and battlefield coordination. He served as Minister of War under the First French Empire, overseeing military administration. Known for his fairness and discipline, he maintained respect among officers and troops alike. Berthier's innovations laid the groundwork for modern military staff organization.

Born in 1781, Eichhorn served as a captain in the Prussian army before pursuing legal scholarship. He became a professor at the University of Göttingen, lecturing on constitutional and canon law. His writings laid foundations for the historical school of jurisprudence in Germany. Eichhorn advised on legal reforms following the Napoleonic era, shaping the Prussian legal system. He is remembered as a pioneering thinker in the development of modern European law.

Mikhail Ivanovich Dragomirov was a Russian general renowned for his leadership during the Russo-Turkish War and his influence on military doctrine. He studied at the Nicholas General Staff Academy and later taught tactics, emphasizing the importance of morale and discipline among troops. Dragomirov implemented reforms in infantry training, advocating aggressive offensive strategies and combined arms operations. His writings, including 'War Studies', analyzed historical battles and provided guidance for modern warfare practices. He commanded several armies on the Western and Southern fronts, earning recognition for decisiveness and organizational skill. Dragomirov's theories continued to shape Russian military thought well into the early 20th century.

François Denys Légitime was a Haitian general who briefly held the presidency during a period of political turmoil. In August 1888, he was appointed provisional president and served until October 1889. His administration confronted rebellions and regional uprisings, working to stabilize the nation. After leaving office, Légitime lived in exile before returning to Haiti later in life. He remained respected for his military service and commitment to his country's governance. His career illustrates the challenges of leadership in postcolonial Caribbean states.

Oskar Potiorek was born in Gorizia and pursued a military career in the Austro-Hungarian Army. He served as military governor of Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1911 to 1914. Potiorek was riding in the Archduke’s motorcade during the assassination in Sarajevo that triggered World War I. He later commanded Austro-Hungarian forces in the Balkans but suffered defeats at the Battle of Cer. Criticized for his decisions, he retired from active service and lived quietly until his death in 1933. His career reflects the complexities of imperial military leadership.

Percy Cox was born in 1864 and embarked on a career in the British Indian Army before transitioning to diplomatic service. He served as Political Resident in the Persian Gulf and later as High Commissioner for Iraq under the British Mandate. Cox played a pivotal role in the establishment of the modern Iraqi state, overseeing the coronation of King Faisal I in 1921. His negotiations and administrative reforms laid the groundwork for Iraq’s governmental institutions. Cox’s expertise in tribal politics and regional diplomacy earned him respect among both British and local leaders. He retired in 1923 and passed away in 1937, leaving a lasting impact on Middle Eastern affairs.

Philipp Schmitt was an SS officer in Nazi Germany who served as commandant of the Herzogenbusch concentration camp in the Netherlands. He joined the SS in the early 1930s and rose through its ranks due to his zeal and loyalty to the regime. Schmitt oversaw the imprisonment, forced labor, and deportation of thousands of prisoners, earning a reputation for brutality. After the end of World War II, he was captured and tried for war crimes by a Dutch military court. Schmitt was sentenced to death and executed in 1950, becoming one of the first SS officers held accountable for Holocaust atrocities. His trial set a precedent for postwar justice in Europe.

Michael J. Ingelido began his military career in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, flying combat missions in Europe. After the war, he transitioned to the newly established U.S. Air Force and held a series of command positions. He contributed to the development of continental air defense systems during the early Cold War. Ingelido’s leadership roles included strategic planning and oversight of defense operations against aerial threats. He retired as a lieutenant general, earning recognition for his dedication and strategic acumen. Until his passing in 2015, he remained one of the last senior officers with direct WWII service in high command.

John Edmund Gardner (1926–2007) served in the Somerset Light Infantry and was awarded the Military Cross for his service in Kenya. After leaving the army, he became a prolific novelist with over fifty books, spanning espionage thrillers, mysteries, and historical fiction. He revitalized Ian Fleming's James Bond franchise with fourteen continuation novels, bringing new stylistic flair and global intrigue. Gardner's works also include the Boysie Oakes series and the Percy Kid series. His sharp prose and intricate plotting made him a bestselling author in Britain and abroad. He later taught creative writing and continued writing until his death.

Tôn Thất Đính (1926–2013) rose through the ranks of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam, commanding the III Corps responsible for the region around Saigon. He orchestrated military operations and was a principal figure in the November 1963 overthrow of President Diệm, securing strategic positions in Saigon. After the coup, Đính held various high-profile posts including Minister of Security and governor roles during times of political instability. His actions significantly influenced the early course of South Vietnam's war effort and internal politics. Following the fall of Saigon in 1975, he spent years in exile before returning to Vietnam later in life. Đính's career exemplifies the complex interplay of military and political power during the Vietnam War.

Ed W. Freeman (1927–2008) served as an Army Aviation Officer with the 1st Cavalry Division during the Vietnam War. On November 14, 1965, during the Battle of Ia Drang, he volunteered to fly into heavy enemy fire to resupply and evacuate wounded soldiers. Over successive sorties, Freeman defied orders and repeatedly returned to the battlefield, saving dozens of lives under intense fire. His extraordinary courage was recognized in 2001 when President George W. Bush posthumously awarded him the Medal of Honor. Freeman's actions set a new standard for Army aviators and underscored the critical role of helicopter operations in modern warfare. After retiring, he remained active in veteran affairs until his death.