Milunka Savić

Born in Serbia, Milunka Savić took her brother’s place in the Second Balkan War by cutting her hair short and masquerading as a male soldier. One might say she was an early proponent of gender fluidity, but more likely, she just really wanted to shoot people for her country. Which, to be fair, she was exceptionally good at.

Her deception was only discovered after she was wounded and sent to a hospital, but by then, she was such an effective and decorated soldier that her commanders simply let her continue fighting. Refusing an offer to transfer to the nursing division—because who needs a bedpan when you have a rifle?—she returned to the front lines, accumulating a staggering array of medals from France, Russia, Britain, and her native Serbia.

Savić fought in some of the bloodiest battles of WWI, including the Battle of Kolubara and the Salonika Front. She single-handedly captured 23 Bulgarian soldiers in one engagement, proving that sometimes, all you need is a really good aim and an utter lack of fear. Post-war, she worked as a cleaning lady, a stark reminder that even the most heroic among us often end up sweeping floors, which, honestly, is still harder work than most influencers do today.

Her legacy includes being the most decorated female combatant in recorded history, which is impressive by any standard, male or female. While she might not have kvell-worthy Jewish lineage or identity, her sheer audacity and bravery certainly give us all something to boast about, provided we're boasting about general human badassery. Which we are.