Mathias Rust, born on June 1, 1968, is a German aviator renowned for his audacious flight that culminated in a landing near Red Square in Moscow on May 28, 1987. Despite being an inexperienced teenage pilot with only about 50 hours of flying experience at the time, Rust flew from Helsinki to Moscow without authorization, creating a stir in the Soviet air defense system. His landing near the Kremlin was a symbolic gesture aimed at bridging the gap between the East and West during the Cold War era. Rust's daring flight not only resulted in his imprisonment for violation of border crossing and air traffic regulations but also had significant repercussions in the Soviet military, leading to the dismissal of several senior officers. This landmark incident also played a role in supporting Mikhail Gorbachev's reforms by enabling him to remove military officials opposing his policies. Ultimately, Rust's flight left a lasting impact on the geopolitical landscape of the time.

Mathias de Sousa was an early settler in the Province of Maryland and is often recognized as the first person of African descent to vote in an American legislature, based on his presence at a 1641 Maryland Assembly meeting. De Sousa arrived in colonial Maryland as an indentured servant of Jesuit priests, and his racial and ethnic background is still debated among academics, with many believing him to be of mixed Portuguese and African heritage. In 1641, he was recorded as being present at a Maryland Assembly meeting and later took responsibility for hiring men for a fur trading expedition. A historical marker has been erected in St. Mary's City, Maryland, to commemorate his legacy. Moreover, actor Denzel Washington's connection to the city of St. Mary's and the play "Wings of the Morning" has incorporated a character loosely based on de Sousa. His life and contributions hold historical significance in the context of African American and Maryland's history.

Mathias Kneißl, also known as Robber Kneissl, was a notorious German outlaw and poacher who gained folk hero status in the Bavarian folklore during the late 19th century. Born on August 4, 1875, Kneißl's upbringing in a remote mill known for criminal activities set the stage for his rebellious life. His criminal career began early, and he was imprisoned multiple times for poaching and theft. After a period of working as a carpenter, Kneißl turned to armed robberies, leading to a deadly confrontation with the police. His sensational trial in 1901 resulted in a death sentence, which was carried out via guillotine on February 21, 1902. Despite his criminal activities, Kneißl was romanticized as a symbol of rebellion against authority, and his legend has endured through songs and films depicting his life. The legacy of Robber Kneißl continues to captivate people, particularly in the Bavarian region where he achieved mythical status.References:- Hugo Friedländer: Interessante Kriminal-Prozesse von kulturhistorischer Bedeutung. 1911–1921, vol. 2, pp. 192–221

Mathias Rukavina von Boynograd (1737 − 3 May 1817) was a Croatian general in the Habsburg monarchy imperial army service. He joined the army in 1755, fought against the Kingdom of Prussia, Ottoman Turkey, and the First French Republic, and served with the light infantry from the military border with Turkey for most of his career. Rukavina earned the rank of general officer during the French Revolutionary Wars, distinguishing himself at Loano. During the 1796 Italian campaign, he commanded a brigade in several battles against the French army led by Napoleon Bonaparte. Rukavina's remarkable leadership and military strategies during the Italian campaign left a lasting impression on both allies and adversaries. His bravery and tactical skill were evident in battles such as Loano and Montenotte, where he led his troops with exceptional courage. Rukavina's contributions to the Habsburg monarchy's military successes during this turbulent period solidified his reputation as a formidable and respected general officer.

Mathias Haydn, born on January 31, 1699, in Hainburg, was the father of renowned composers Joseph and Michael Haydn. As a wheelwright in Rohrau, Austria, he also held the position of Marktrichter, akin to a village mayor. Mathias' lineage was marked by a gradual increase in material prosperity, culminating in his son Joseph's significant fortune. After completing his apprenticeship and journeyman travels, Mathias settled in Rohrau, married Maria Koller, and had twelve children. Following Maria's death, he remarried and had five more children. Mathias lived to see both his sons achieve professional success in music before his untimely death in 1763, coincidentally after witnessing his son Joseph's acclaim. His love for music was evident, and he passed on his musical talents to his children, playing the harp and singing with his wife. Mathias played a pivotal role in launching his sons' careers in music. His influence and love for music left a lasting impression on his sons, shaping their musical journeys and ultimately contributing to their success.