Johann Philipp d'Arco, Count of Arco was a soldier who served Habsburg Austria for 30 years.
Career
Because he surrendered the fortress of Breisach after only 13 days, he was sentenced to death and executed. The "key" to southern Germany fell into enemy hands together with many supplies, guns and ammunition. D'Arco was charged with treason and beheaded on 18 February 1704, at Bregenz.
His second in command Luigi Ferdinando Marsigli was stripped of all honours and his sword was broken over him.
Views
D'Arco was born in Arco, Trentino, and already had 30 years distinguished service when he was ordered by Louis William, Margrave of Baden-Baden in 1703 to defend Breisach to the last man against a French attack under Claude Louis Hector de Villars. The city was well defended and d'Arco disposed of sufficient soldiers to hold the city for a considerable time. But he capitulated on 6 September 1703 after only 13 days of siege.