Alan Turing

Alan Turing, through his work during World War II, ultimately led to the creation of the first computers. In Bletchley Park, Turing helped develop the "Bombe" to decipher messages sent during the war. Thanks to his ingenious work, the German Enigma codes were able to be deciphered, greatly aiding the Allies in their advances in the war. Basically, his work not only helped turn the tide of war, but also lead to the computer revolution. In his personal life, it was reported that he was homosexual, and persecuted greatly for it, to the point of actually being given a chemical castration. It is said that this persecution and operation may have been the reason that he took his life at 41, but a petition was signed around the entire United Kingdom that actually led to an official government apology after his death for the inhumane treatment Turing was put through. Though he may have not been as celebrated for his accomplishments after the war at the time, his memory and achievements still live on today.