Heissler of Heitersheim (Donat John Count)

Donat John Count Heissler of Heitersheim
Born	1648
Died	1 September 1696 Szeged, Hungary
Nationality	Hungarian

Donat John Count Heissler of Heitersheim was an Imperial and Royal Marshal of the Habsburg empire. He was deeply involved in the conflict between the Austrian and Turkish empires. He was born in 1648 and died at Szeged on 1 September 1696.

Donat John Heissler was born in the Holy Roman Empire in about 1648, at the end of the Thirty Years' War. He enlisted in the service of Habsburgs at a very young age, and as a cavalary captain, Heissler obtained the rank of knight on 15 September 1678. His courage and exemplary behaviour led to his promotion to colonel and command over a regiment of dragoons, which is named after him.

He fought bravely in the Battle of Vienna in 1683 and continued to distinguish himself in battle over the following years. In 1684 he defeated rebels commanded by Imre Thököly, followed by a victory over a Turkish regiment at Székesfehérvár. In 1684 he relieved Vác, subjugated Arad and defeated Turkish forces, which were defending Oradea and Gyula.

On 16 September 1685, he was promoted to the rank of general and in his first expedition prevented the conquering of Munkács and Ofen, and defeated the Turks at Szeged. In 1688 he crushes Imre Thökölu at Körös, seizes Požarevac (Passarowitz) and distinguishes himself at Belgrade.

Having been appointed Lieutenant-general on 4 January 1689, his luck runs out at Valachie. He loses the battle of Tohani on 21 August 1689 and is taken prisoner.

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