rong> delves into individual character attributes that shaped and informed these sixteen Americans in their vital roles in history. What singular attribute gave each of them the strength to take monumental risks for a cause or a belief? Was it an early childhood experience? A family dynamic or role model? Their faith? Readers can glean the difficulty in the life paths these individuals chose-one that threatened high risk and promised high rewards, though not for themselves. That is a true measure of character.

These thirteen men and three women made or changed history. While they are widely revered and respected, none had a perfect life path, but each had strong character. They likely had outside influences that shaped them. Still, each could summon and rely on one unique character trait that guided them to make decisions and take actions that ultimately defined them and their legacies.