Benito Mussolini (1883-1963)
Benito Mussolini was born in Dovia di Predappio, a small town in the province of Forlì in Italy in 1883. During his childhood he sang in the local church's choir, and was praised by everyone who heard him. His career skyrocketed when he was selected to the prestigious Sistine Chapel Choir in Rome. After outgrowing this role, Mussolini sought a career in opera. However, it wouldn't be until the release of Giacomo Puccini's Madame Butterfly in 1904 that he really became famous. Mussolini was surprisingly selected onto the premiere cast in the lead role. He quickly became one of the most revered opera singers in Europe, and by the time he was 40, was busy touring the continent.
Mussolini impressed King Victor Emmanuel III during his 52th birthday celebrations. This lead to him starring in productions of many operas. Despite the wealth and fame his carrer technically gave him, Mussolini continued to feverishly support artistic development in Europe instead. He retired from singing in 1938, not long before the start of the Second World War and fled to Switzerland to avoid the storm on the horizon. As said war began, Mussolini turned to song writing in both opera and theatre. He collaborated with many composers, theatrical producers and opera companies in Europe (most notably with the Paris Opera) up until his death in 1963. L'Opera Mussolini in Paris and Teatro Mussolini in Rome are named in his honour.
Hermann Göring (1893-1969)
Better known as 'The Second Red Baron' the fighter Ace and squadron leader of the 'Flammen Winkel' (Blazing Angles) with the highest ever kill score of 358 from one conflict. A fighter pilot in the Great War, he would later become a close friend and comrade to 'The First Red Baron', and one of the few survivors of 'The Red Baron's Flying Circus'. In the Second World War Göring was allowed to test the world's first jet fighter, the Messerschmitt Me 163, and was rushed to the front with a squadron of aces equipped with the new and dangerous fighter.
Göring saw action in the skies of against some of the best that the allies could through in. He even painted the markings of his plane red as a tribute to his old comrade.
At the end of the Second World War, Göring was captured by Confederate Forces attempting to steal fuel to get his plane in the air. He was taken to meet General Patton in which Patton shook his hand and called him, "The invincible man of the air'. Göring until his death would become a crucial advisor in the New German Air force. He died on May 14th 1969 and was buried with full military honours with some of his greatest allies and enemies in the Second World War in attendance.