December 27

Bohdan Khmelnytsky (1595–1657) served as Hetman of the Zaporozhian Cossacks and founder of the Cossack Hetmanate. In 1648, he launched a rebellion that ultimately secured autonomy for Ukrainian lands. Khmelnytsky negotiated the Treaty of Pereyaslav in 1654, aligning Ukraine with the Tsardom of Russia. His strategic leadership combined military prowess with diplomatic acumen. While his campaigns brought Cossack privileges, they also triggered years of warfare and population displacement. Khmelnytsky remains a central figure in Ukrainian national history and identity.

Francis Blake Delaval was baptized in 1692 into a family with deep naval traditions. He entered the Royal Navy at a young age and advanced to the rank of captain. His naval service included escort duties and maintaining Britain's maritime interests. Transitioning to politics, Delaval was elected as a Member of Parliament, where he advocated for naval funding and trade expansion. He balanced his public roles with managing family estates and local affairs in Northumberland. Delaval passed away in 1752, leaving a legacy of service at both sea and in government.

Born into the distinguished Noailles family in 1715, Philippe de Noailles pursued a career in the French army. He climbed the ranks through service in various European theaters, earning a reputation for discipline and courage. Noailles championed organizational reforms and modern tactics within his regiments. His noble lineage and loyalty to the crown defined his military service until the outbreak of the French Revolution. During the Revolution, he was arrested and executed in 1794, emblematic of the fate of many aristocratic officers. His life reflects the challenges faced by military elites amid societal upheaval.

Born in Livonia in 1761 to a Scottish-descended family, Barclay de Tolly entered the Russian army and rose rapidly through the ranks. As Minister of War, he implemented key reforms and devised the defensive strategy that blunted Napoleon’s advance. In 1812, he served as commander-in-chief of Russian forces, orchestrating the strategic retreat that exhausted the Grande Armée. After the war, he was appointed Governor-General of Finland, overseeing regional administration and defense. Celebrated as a national hero, he received numerous honors for his leadership and tactical skill. Barclay de Tolly died in 1818, remembered for his strategic vision and reformist zeal.

Born in Moscow in 1776 into a prominent military family, Nikolay Kamensky entered the Russian army as a young officer. He distinguished himself in the Russo-Turkish War, demonstrating tactical skill in the Balkans. Promoted to general, he later took part in operations against Napoleon’s forces during the War of the Fourth Coalition. Kamensky’s aggressive offensive tactics earned both acclaim for battlefield successes and caution from his superiors. He was celebrated for his energy and daring, influencing Russian military practices. Kamensky died suddenly in 1811 at the height of his career, remembered as one of his generation’s most promising commanders.

Born in Canada in 1892, Alfred Edwin McKay trained as a pilot during the pioneering days of military aviation. Commissioned as a captain in the Royal Flying Corps, he flew reconnaissance and combat missions over the Western Front. McKay’s courage and skill in the cockpit earned him respect among his peers in the air service. He participated in numerous sorties that tested the limits of early aircraft technology. McKay was killed in action in 1917, his service reflecting the sacrifices of the first generation of military aviators.

Werner Baumbach (1916–1953) was a decorated German Luftwaffe bomber pilot during World War II, credited with leading more than 350 combat missions. Recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, he later contributed to post-war aviation research before his untimely death in a plane crash. Baumbach remains a notable figure in military aviation history.

Onni Palaste was a Finnish soldier whose combat experiences during the Winter and Continuation Wars inspired his prolific writing career. After returning from the front, he penned a series of bestselling novels and memoirs that provided vivid accounts of wartime life. His works offered personal insights into the hardships and camaraderie of soldiers, resonating with readers nationwide. Palaste's literary contributions became essential reading for understanding Finland's wartime history. He balanced his military discipline with a reflective narrative style, earning acclaim in both military and literary circles.

Charles Sweeney was a United States Air Force general and pilot who flew the B-29 bomber ‘Bockscar’ during World War II. He commanded the aircraft that dropped the second atomic bomb on Nagasaki, a mission that significantly impacted the end of the war. After the war, Sweeney continued his military career, eventually achieving the rank of major general. He held various command positions and advocated for strategic bomber development during the Cold War. Sweeney's reflections on the ethics of nuclear warfare contributed to historical and military discourse.

James A. McClure served as a soldier in the United States Army. After his military service, he practiced law in Idaho and entered politics. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1966. In 1972, McClure won a seat in the U.S. Senate, representing Idaho until 1991. He was influential in shaping federal land management and natural resource policy. McClure retired in 1991, leaving a legacy of bipartisan collaboration and public service.