Grace Hopper

Grace Hopper (1906-1992) was a pioneering computer scientist and United States Navy rear admiral. She is best known for developing the first compiler for a computer programming language and for her work on the Harvard Mark I computer during World War II. Hopper played a critical role in the creation of COBOL, one of the first high-level programming languages. In 1952, she completed the A-0 System, the first ever compiler which translated symbolic mathematical code into machine code. Hopper's contributions earned her numerous accolades, including the National Medal of Technology in 1991, making her the first female individual recipient of the award. She retired from the Navy at the age of 79, one of the oldest officers in service history.