Milan Rastislav Štefánik (21st July, 1880 – 4th May, 1919) – scientist, diplomat, soldier and politician. Having graduated in 1904 from Charles University in Prague, with a doctorate in philosophy and astronomy, the following November Štefánik left for Paris. By April 1905 he was working at the Meudon observatory. In 1912 Štefánik became a French citizen and at this time became involved in diplomatic activities on behalf of France. Here he combined scientific work with charm to advance France’s power-politics around the globe and, in recognition of his contribution, he was decorated with the Legion of Honour. At the start of...