Chester W. Nimitz Military Leader (1885–1966)

Born in Texas in 1885, Chester W. Nimitz served in World War I as chief of staff to the commander of the U.S. Atlantic submarine force. In 1939, he was appointed chief of the Bureau of Navigation of the U.S. Navy. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Nimitz was elevated to commander in chief of the Pacific Fleet. In 1944, he was promoted to fleet admiral. After WWII, he served as chief of naval operation. He died in 1966 on Yerba Buena Island, California.

Lee Marvin Film Actor (1924–1987)

Actor Lee Marvin was born on February 19, 1924, in New York City. He eventually earned lead roles when his aggressive nature was perceived by such directors as Edward Dmytryk, Fritz Lang, and John Boorman. Marvin appeared in about 70 films between 1951 and 1986. He first branched out into sympathetic film roles in the early 1960s, partly thanks to his role in TV's M Squad. He died on August 29, 1987, in Tucson, Arizona.

Colin Powell Diplomat, Military Leader

Colin Luther Powell is a United States statesman and a retired four-star general in the United States Army. He was the 65th United States Secretary of State (2001-2005), serving under President George W. Bush. He was the first African American appointed to that position. He was the first, and so far the only, African American to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Audie Murphy Soldier, Actor (1925–1971)

Born in Texas on June 20, 1925, Audie Murphy eventually became the most decorated U.S. soldier in World War II. Though he was only 21 years old at the end of the war, he had killed 240 German soldiers, had been wounded three times, and had earned 33 awards and medals. After the war, he appeared in more than 40 films. He suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder throughout his life.

The most decorated U.S. soldier of World War II, Audie Murphy returned home a hero and became an actor, starring in his own story, To Hell and Back.

Alvin C. York Warrior, Military Leader (1887–1964)

Born on December 13, 1887, in Pall Mall, Tennessee, Alvin C. York was a blacksmith who was drafted into the army during WWI. While serving in the 82nd Infantry Division, he took command and captured a total of 132 German soldiers. York was promoted to the rank of sergeant and received the Medal of Honor. His heroic story was told in the film Sergeant York (1941). He died in 1964.

General George S. Patton

George Patton was born in San Gabriel, California on November 11, 1885. Considered one of the most successful combat generals in U.S history, he was the first officer assigned to the Tank Corps in WWI. During WWII, he helped lead the Allies to victory in the invasion of Sicily, and was instrumental to the liberation of Germany from the Nazis. He died on December 21, 1945 in Heidelberg, Germany.

Robin Williams (R.I.P) Actor, Comedian (1951–2014)

Actor and comedian Robin Williams was known for his fast-paced, improvisational performance style and for his performances in films like Good Will Hunting and Dead Poets Society.