Humans logo

Heroes of the 2nd World War

Heroes of the Second World War: Remembering the Bravery and Determination of Those Who Made a Difference

By Vikram ParmarPublished 3 years ago 5 min read

The Second World War was a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945 and involved the majority of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis. The war caused the genocide of millions of Jews and other minority groups, and resulted in an estimated 50 million military and civilian deaths. Despite the immense loss and destruction, the war also saw the rise of numerous heroes who made a significant impact on the outcome of the conflict. From military leaders to resistance fighters to civilians, these heroes are remembered for their bravery, determination, and selflessness in the face of great adversity.

Winston Churchill - Churchill was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during the Second World War. He was known for his leadership and his powerful speeches, which helped to rally the British people during their darkest hours. Churchill was instrumental in forming the Allied powers and in strategizing against the Axis powers.

Franklin D. Roosevelt - Roosevelt was the President of the United States during the Second World War. He led the country through the Great Depression and into the war, and his leadership was crucial in helping the Allies to victory. Roosevelt was also instrumental in the creation of the United Nations, which was formed after the war to promote international cooperation and prevent future conflicts.

Douglas MacArthur - MacArthur was a general in the United States Army who played a key role in the Pacific Theater of the Second World War. He was known for his bold and strategic leadership, and he played a crucial role in the Allied victory over Japan.

Dwight D. Eisenhower - Eisenhower was another general in the United States Army who served as Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe during the Second World War. He was responsible for planning and overseeing the D-Day invasion, which was a turning point in the war.

George S. Patton - Patton was a general in the United States Army who also played a key role in the Allied victory in Europe. He was known for his aggressive and successful tactics, and he was instrumental in the liberation of several European countries.

Bernard Montgomery - Montgomery was a British general who served in the Second World War. He played a key role in the Allied victory in North Africa and in the planning of the D-Day invasion.

Aleksandr Vasilevsky - Vasilevsky was a Soviet general who played a crucial role in the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany. He was known for his strategic planning and his leadership in several major battles.

Georgy Zhukov - Zhukov was another Soviet general who played a key role in the Soviet Union's victory in the Second World War. He was instrumental in the defense of Moscow and in the Soviet Union's eventual victory over Nazi Germany.

Chen Cheng - Cheng was a Chinese general who served in the Second World War. He played a key role in the Chinese resistance against Japan, and he was instrumental in the eventual Allied victory in the Pacific Theater.

Hideki Tojo - Tojo was a Japanese general and politician who served as Prime Minister of Japan during the Second World War. He was responsible for leading Japan into the war and for many of the war crimes committed by Japanese forces. However, he was eventually arrested and executed for his actions.

Oscar Schindler - Schindler was a German industrialist who is known for saving the lives of over 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust. He used his factory in Poland as a cover to protect Jews from being deported to concentration camps, and he is credited with saving many lives through his bravery and resourcefulness. Despite being a member of the Nazi Party, Schindler used his position and influence to protect Jews and ultimately helped to save their lives.

Raoul Wallenberg - Wallenberg was a Swedish diplomat who is credited with saving the lives of tens of thousands of Jews in Hungary during the Holocaust. He issued protective passports and shelter to Jews in Budapest, and is credited with saving many lives through his bravery and determination.

Varian Fry - Fry was an American journalist who is known for his efforts to help Jews and other refugees escape from Nazi-occupied Europe. He established a network in Marseille, France that helped to rescue and protect individuals at risk of persecution, and is credited with saving the lives of over 4,000 people.

Janusz Korczak - Korczak was a Polish-Jewish doctor, educator, and author who is known for his work with children. During the Holocaust, he refused to leave the orphanage he ran in Warsaw and instead accompanied the children under his care to the Treblinka extermination camp, where they were all killed. Korczak's selflessness and dedication to the welfare of children is remembered and honored to this day.

Giorgio Perlasca - Perlasca was an Italian businessman who is known for his efforts to save Jews during the Holocaust. He posed as a Spanish diplomat in Budapest, Hungary and used his position to issue protective passports to Jews, ultimately saving the lives of thousands of people.

Nancy Wake - Wake was a British special agent during the Second World War who played a key role in the French Resistance. She worked as a courier, carrying messages and supplies between France and Britain, and was eventually made a leader of the Maquis, a resistance group in the Haute-Savoie region of France. Wake was known for her bravery and determination, and she is credited with saving the lives of many Allied soldiers and resistance fighters.

Sofia Kovalevskaya - Kovalevskaya was a Russian-born mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of mathematics during the Second World War. Despite facing significant discrimination as a woman in a male-dominated field, she made significant contributions to the field of mathematics and is remembered for her bravery and determination in the face of adversity.

Yugoslav Partisan Women - The Yugoslav Partisan Women were a group of female resistance fighters who played a key role in the resistance against Nazi occupation in Yugoslavia during the Second World War. They served as nurses, cooks, and soldiers, and were known for their bravery and determination in the face of significant danger.

Mary McLeod Bethune - Bethune was an American educator and civil rights leader who played a key role in the American civil rights movement. During the Second World War, she worked to help ensure that African Americans were treated fairly and had equal opportunities to serve in the military and contribute to the war effort.

Clara Lemlich - Lemlich was a Ukrainian-born labor organizer who played a key role in the American labor movement. During the Second World War, she worked to help improve working conditions and to advocate for the rights of women and immigrants.

The Second World War was a global conflict that had a significant impact on the world. Many individuals played key roles in the war effort and are remembered for their bravery and determination. These heroes include military leaders, resistance fighters, and civilians who used their skills, influence, and resources to make a difference. Whether they were fighting on the front lines or working behind the scenes, these heroes are remembered for their contributions and sacrifices, and they continue to inspire future generations.

celebrities

About the Creator

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2026 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.