November 28

Basil Feilding, 2nd Earl of Denbigh (1608–1675), began his career as a Parliamentarian cavalry leader. He fought in key battles early in the First English Civil War, demonstrating tactical skill and leadership. After brief exile, he negotiated on behalf of Charles II, serving as a diplomat in Rome and Madrid. Feilding's political career blended military service with negotiation, reflecting the turbulence of 17th-century England. His legacy lies in his adaptability during shifting allegiances and his contributions to early modern diplomacy.

Louis de Buade de Frontenac was appointed Governor General of New France in 1672 and again in 1689, steering the colony through conflicts with English and Indigenous nations. A skilled military commander, he fortified Quebec and directed expeditions deep into the continent, expanding French influence. Known for his fiery temper and often tense relations with colonial officials, he navigated political rivalries in both North America and France. During his long tenure, he promoted the fur trade, negotiated with Indigenous allies, and sought to strengthen the colony’s defenses. Frontenac’s leadership left a lasting impact on the development of New France and its identity in the Atlantic world.

William Whipple served as a militia officer during the American Revolution and rose to the rank of brigadier general. A delegate to the Continental Congress, he signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 as a representative of New Hampshire. After the war, he held various public offices, including judge and naval officer, and continued to influence the young republic’s political landscape. Whipple was also known for his humanitarian views, particularly his condemnation of slavery, a stance that was unusual among his contemporaries. His legacy endures as one of the Founding Fathers who helped shape the United States’ early governance.

Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben joined the American cause in 1777 and revolutionized military training by introducing standardized drills, discipline, and organizational systems. At Valley Forge, he conducted intensive training sessions that transformed ragged militia into an effective fighting force. His 'Blue Book' became the U.S. Army’s drill manual for decades. After the war, he served as Inspector General and continued to influence American military structure. Von Steuben’s contributions were pivotal in ensuring the Continental Army’s resilience, earning him enduring recognition as the 'drillmaster of the American Revolution.'

Frédéric Bazille was a French painter and member of the Impressionist movement, celebrated for his luminous landscapes and figure compositions. Born in Montpellier in 1841 to a wealthy family, he initially studied medicine but devoted himself to art under the guidance of Charles Gleyre in Paris. Bazille formed close friendships with fellow artists such as Monet, Renoir, and Sisley, frequently modeling for their works and collaborating on plein-air studies. His major works include 'Family Reunion' and 'The Pink Dress', which capture his mastery of light and color. With the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, Bazille enlisted in the infantry and tragically fell at the Battle of Beaune-la-Rolande at age 29, leaving behind a brief but influential legacy.

Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque (1902–1947), commonly known as General Leclerc, was a prominent French Army officer and a leading figure in the Free French Forces during World War II. A graduate of the Ecole speciale militaire de Saint-Cyr, he distinguished himself in the North African campaign, organizing and leading the 2nd Armored Division that would later liberate French territories. Leclerc's leadership was instrumental in the liberation of Paris in August 1944, where his forces marched triumphantly down the Champs-Élysées. After the war, he served as the military governor of occupied Germany and commanded French forces in Indochina. Leclerc's strategic vision and dedication to France's freedom made him a national hero whose legacy endures in modern French military history.

William Reid served as a pilot in the Royal Air Force during the critical years of World War II. At just 22 years old, he performed a daring rescue mission under heavy enemy fire to save a fellow airman. For his valor, Reid was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration for gallantry. He continued to serve in the RAF, eventually rising to the rank of wing commander. After the war, Reid remained active in veteran affairs and shared his experiences through lectures. His courageous actions remain celebrated in military history as examples of selfless heroism.

Havaldar Gajender Singh was born in 1972 and enlisted in the Indian Army at a young age. Throughout his career, he served in various infantry units, participating in critical operations to maintain security and peace in challenging regions. Known among his peers for his discipline, leadership, and unwavering sense of duty, he rose to the rank of Havaldar. Singh was recognized for his professionalism and compassion toward civilian communities in conflict zones. His sudden passing in 2008 was mourned by the regiment and local communities who respected his service. He was honored posthumously in regimental ceremonies and remembered as a model soldier. His dedication continues to inspire new generations of servicemen.

Captain Sandeep Unnikrishnan was born in 1977 in Kerala and commissioned into the 7th Battalion, The Bihar Regiment in 2000. He volunteered for the National Security Guard (NSG), India's premier counter-terrorism unit, and quickly rose through the ranks. On 26 November 2008, he led the operation to clear terrorists from the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai. Demonstrating exceptional courage, he saved numerous hostages before succumbing to injuries sustained in combat. For his valor and leadership, he was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry medal. His sacrifice became emblematic of bravery and selflessness in the face of terror. Sandeep Unnikrishnan's legacy lives on through memorials and training programs dedicated to his memory.

Born Hilary Hinton Ziglar, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II before entering a career in sales and personal development. He became known for his energetic keynote speeches and seminars on leadership, attitude, and success principles. His best-selling books, including See You at the Top and Born to Win, have sold millions of copies worldwide. Ziglar combined storytelling with practical advice on goal-setting and positive thinking. He founded Ziglar, Inc., a company dedicated to coaching individuals and organizations. His legacy lives on through archived recordings, published works, and the continued success of his training programs.

Born in Trieste, he joined the Yugoslav Partisans during World War II and rose to prominence as a military commander. After the war, Ribičič held various political posts, including Interior Minister, where he oversaw internal security measures. In 1969, he became Prime Minister of Yugoslavia, leading the country through economic reforms and maintaining its non-aligned position during the Cold War. He was known for balancing the interests of the federation's diverse republics and promoting stability. After retiring, he wrote memoirs reflecting on the challenges of socialist governance. His influence on Yugoslav politics spanned decades of post-war reconstruction and international diplomacy.

Prince Y. Johnson (1952–2024) was a Liberian politician and former military officer. He emerged as a rebel leader during the First Liberian Civil War and played a pivotal role in the 1990 coup against President Samuel Doe. After the conflict, he ran for president in 1997 and later served as a senator for Nimba County. Johnson founded the National Union for Democratic Progress and remained influential in Liberia's post-war politics. His actions and leadership during a tumultuous era left a complex legacy in his country. Johnson's life story reflects the challenges of reconciliation and governance in post-conflict Liberia.