Statistics: ⚔ BEST WARRIORS | BATTLEFIELD LEGENDS ⚔

Australian infantryman in World War I. Recaptured a trench, killing seven enemies. Later led a counterattack that freed prisoners and resulted in the capture of about 50 Germans.

Soviet sniper who defended Odesa and Sevastopol. Soviet records credit her with 309 enemy kills, including 36 snipers, making her one of the most successful female snipers.

Nepalese rifleman in the British Army. In one battle in Burma, killed a sniper, cleared four foxholes and captured a machine-gun bunker. Then helped repel a counterattack.

King of Sparta. In 480 BC, led the defense of the narrow pass at Thermopylae against a much larger Persian army. After being outflanked, stayed with part of the defending force and died fighting.

Former gladiator. Led a major slave revolt against Rome in 73-71 BC. Turned fugitives into an army that repeatedly defeated Roman forces. Died in the final battle.

Roman gladiator. Fought 34 bouts: 21 wins, 9 draws and 4 defeats followed by reprieves. His record survives on his tombstone, offering rare documentary evidence of an arena fighter's career.

Japanese samurai and general serving Tokugawa Ieyasu. Fought for decades, helping his lord rise to power. Traditionally credited with fighting 57 battles without a single wound.

Lakota warrior and war leader. Took part in two major victories over the US Army in 1876, including the defeat of Custer's force. Fought against the seizure of his people's lands.

German fighter pilot known as the Red Baron. Officially credited with 80 aerial victories, more than any other pilot in World War I.

Finnish sniper in the Winter War. Credited with over 500 enemies killed in a few months using a rifle without a telescopic sight. His exact combat total remains disputed.

Soviet fighter pilot in World War II. Flew 330 combat missions and fought 120 aerial battles. Officially credited with 62 victories, one of the highest totals in Soviet aviation.

Nepalese rifleman in the British Army. In Burma, a grenade severely wounded his right arm. Kept firing left-handed for hours, holding his trench and preventing an enemy breakthrough.

American special operations combat controller. In Afghanistan in 2002, captured a bunker and attacked a second machine-gun position. Despite severe wounds, continued fighting alone and died.

American infantryman in the Korean War. In 1950, defended a hill alone for about 24 hours against advancing North Korean troops, allowing his regiment to withdraw.

Roman centurion in Caesar's army. Ancient accounts describe him defending a fort at Dyrrhachium despite severe wounds, helping hold off a much larger enemy force.

English knight. Fought successfully in tournaments and wars for decades. In 1217, led the victory at Lincoln that helped thwart the French attempt to conquer England.

Burgundian knight and expert in armed duels. Faced opponents from several countries. In 1449-1450, fought a series of contests against ten knights using different weapons.

Japanese swordsman. Claimed to have gone undefeated in over 60 duels. Founded a two-sword fighting school and wrote The Book of Five Rings, a lasting classic of martial strategy.

American Marine. In Beijing in 1900, defended a position alone while his commander went for reinforcements. Later distinguished himself again in Haiti and World War I.

American infantryman. In the Philippines in 1945, held a position alone against a Japanese attack. His award citation credits him with killing 40 enemies and saving his company from destruction.

American infantryman. In 1945, held off a German attack for about an hour using a machine gun on a burning tank destroyer. Despite being wounded, then led a counterattack and regained lost ground.

Serbian soldier in the Balkan Wars and World War I. Serbian accounts credit her with capturing 23 Bulgarian soldiers in one action. Repeatedly returned to duty after being wounded.

American infantryman in World War I. Suppressed German machine-gun positions and led the surviving men of his group. Together they brought back 132 prisoners, clearing the way for an advance.

German fighter pilot in World War II. The Luftwaffe credited him with 352 aerial victories, the highest official total in history. Not all claims can be independently verified.

Soviet tank commander. Soviet records credit his crews with destroying 52 German tanks in 28 engagements in just 2.5 months in 1941. One of the USSR's most successful tank commanders.

American Marine. Defended machine-gun positions against Japanese attacks on Guadalcanal, repairing weapons and carrying ammunition under fire to keep the defense supported.

New Zealand infantry commander. Assaulted machine-gun positions and helped evacuate wounded men in Crete and North Africa. Repeatedly continued leading his men after being wounded himself.

Canadian scout. In 1945, continued into German-held Zwolle after his partner was killed. Took prisoners and, with resistance help, secured the garrison's withdrawal, sparing the town an assault.

Indian anti-tank soldier. In 1965, his crew used a jeep-mounted recoilless gun against Pakistani tanks. His award citation records two destroyed tanks; later accounts give higher totals.

American Special Forces soldier. In 1968, came to the aid of a surrounded reconnaissance team. Despite multiple wounds, fought and organized an evacuation, helping save at least eight men.

Indian tank commander. His crew was credited with five tank kills in 1971. Facing a larger attacking force, continued fighting after his own tank caught fire and died at his position.

Indian infantry commander. Led assaults on fortified mountain heights 5140 and 4875 in the 1999 Kargil War, personally engaging the enemy at close range. Died during the second assault.