Alan Turing was a brilliant British mathematician and computer scientist, often considered the father of computer science. He played a crucial role during World War II by developing the Turing machine, a theoretical model that laid the groundwork for modern computers. Turing also helped break the Enigma code, which was used by the German military, significantly aiding the Allied forces in their efforts.
Despite his groundbreaking contributions, Turing faced persecution due to his sexual orientation. In 1952, he was convicted of "gross indecency" and underwent chemical castration. Tragically, he died in 1954, but his legacy continues to influence technology and ethics in computing today.