George Washington

Commands Virginia troops at Fort Necessity during the French and Indian War. It's a disaster. He surrenders. He unknowingly signs a document in French admitting to the "assassination" of a French officer. He is 22 and has just helped start a world war.

Crosses the Delaware River on Christmas night with 2,400 troops and attacks the Hessian garrison at Trenton at dawn. Captures 1,000 soldiers in 90 minutes with almost no casualties. A week later he wins at Princeton. These two battles save the Revolution.

Resigns his commission as commander-in-chief before the Continental Congress in Annapolis. He could have made himself king. Everyone expects it. George III says if Washington really gives up power, "he will be the greatest man in the world." He gives up power.

Inaugurated as the first president. Unanimously elected. Twice. He insists on "Mr. President" instead of a grander title, serves two terms, and walks away again. The two-term tradition holds for 150 years until FDR breaks it.

Dies at Mount Vernon at 67 after doctors drain nearly half his blood trying to treat a throat infection. His last words to his secretary: "Have me decently buried; and do not let my body be put into the vault in less than three days after I am dead." He fears being buried alive. In his will, he frees his slaves.