Ioannis Velissariou joined the Greek Army in 1881. He was distinguished for his bravery during battles of the Greco-Turkish War in 1897 and the Balkan Wars in 1912-1913. He played a decisive role in the battle for liberation of Ioannina city in February 1913, forcing the Turks to surrender unconditionally. He was heroically killed in action on July 13th, 1913. By his actions, he was the model and prototype of the heroic officer, brave, daring, and an excellent leader and therefore considered as one of the most important personalities of the Greek Military History.