5. Adolph Hitler

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It should come as no surprise that as many as 42 separate assassination plots were hatched to eliminate the maniacal Nazi leader.  The one that probably came closest to success was known as “Operation Valkyrie,” and involved placing an explosive briefcase near Hitler at a meeting in 1944. One of his generals unwittingly moved the briefcase, likely sparing Hitler’s life. The man who moved the briefcase was killed by the blast, and those who planned the execution were caught and executed. Hitler suffered a perforated eardrum, but was otherwise no worse for wear after the attempt.