Isoroku Yamamoto

Profession: WWII Admiral who Led the Attack on Pearl Harbor

Nationality:

Biography: Yamamoto was one of the most senior Japanese Navy officials during World War II. He held a number of important positions, including Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet. In this position he oversaw the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, which led the United States to enter the war.

A few months later he was in overall command when the Battle of Midway occurred, in which the Americans inflicted a devastating blow on the Japanese Navy.

Yamamoto was killed by the US Army Air Force when codebreakers identified his flight plans and he was shot down near the Solomon Islands. His death was a blow to Japanese morale during the war.

Born: April 4, 1884
Birthplace: Nagaoka, Niigata, Empire of Japan

Generation: Lost Generation
Star Sign: Aries

Died: April 18, 1943 (aged 59)
Cause of Death: Killed in action after the US air force ambushed and shot down his plane. His location was discovered by the "Magic" code-breaking team who managed to intercept and decode his flight plan. His death was a major blow to Japanese morale.