Milan Štefánik was a Slovak politician, diplomat, and military leader born on July 21, 1880, in Austria-Hungary. He played a significant role in the establishment of Czechoslovakia after World War I and served as the Minister of War. Štefánik was also an accomplished aviator and a prominent figure in the Czechoslovak Legion. Tragically, Štefánik's life was cut short when he died in a plane crash on April 4, 1919, near Dole, France. His contributions to the formation of Czechoslovakia and his efforts in promoting Slovak independence are remembered and celebrated in Slovakia today.