Ioannis Velissariou

Ioannis Velissariou (, 26 November 1861 – 13 July 1913) was a Hellenic Army officer and hero of the Balkan Wars. He is considered to be one of the most important figures in the military history of modern Greece. He had a decisive role in the Battle of Bizani during the First Balkan War (1912–1913), forcing the Ottoman Army to surrender unconditionally.

Early life and career Velissariou was born in Ploiești, United Principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia, to Greek parents from Evia. He spent much of his boyhood in Ploiești. At the age of 19 he joined the Hellenic Army as a volunteer, while in 1887 he was promoted to Infantry Second Lieutenant. He acquired his first combat experience during the Greco-Turkish War of 1897, where he distinguished himself at the battles of Melouna and Derven-Fourkas, covering the Greek positions. In the following years he was posted as gendarmerie commander in the island of Skopelos and in 1909 he participated in the Goudi military coup.

Balkan Wars First Balkan War

With the outbreak of the Balkan Wars, Velissariou was appointed commander in the 3rd Battalion of the 4th Infantry Regiment. At the Battle of Sarantaporo he managed to advance rapidly with his unit against the Ottoman forces and cut their withdrawal, causing general unrest to the enemy. In the following night, the units of Velissariou and Iatridis managed to capture 37 officers and 935 soldiers in their attempt to withdraw north. As a result, the next day, the Ottoman commander Esad Pasha surrendered, while Velissariou personally led the Ottoman delegation to the Greek headquarters.

Second Balkan War

Painting depicting the battle of Summit 1378, with Velissariou pictured right, among the Evzones. Velissariou participated in the Second Balkan War against Greece's erstwhile ally Bulgaria, initially in the Battle of Lachanas and then in the Battle of Kresna Gorge. Although the sector suffered constant attacks by the Bulgarian Army, the Evzones managed to repel them. During the time of 13–15 July, the Regiment suffered numerous casualties; Major Velissariou was one of the officers killed.

He was buried near the battle site.