Shahan Russell

Shahan Russell is one of the authors writing for WAR HISTORY ONLINE

Articles by Shahan Russell:

MOH: helped save his burning B-17 by urinating on the fire, drove off waves of German fighters & saved the lives of 6 crew members

Maynard Harrison “Snuffy” Smith was such a screw-up, he joined the US Army to avoid jail. He earned the nickname, “Snuffy Smith,” because no one…

One of the most awe-inspiring displays of reckless bravery WWII: ‘This is going to be a fighting ship I intend to go harm’s way, anyone who doesn’t want to go along better get off right now!’

In 1944, the Allied forces defeated the Japanese in the southern Philippines. That done, they began landing Allied troops on the central Philippine island of…

Hürtgen Forest: The heroic German officer killed in a minefield trying to save an American

October 7, 1994, saw a strange sight over the Hürtgen War Cemetery in Hürtgen, Germany. The cemetery is the final home of 3001 bodies –…

The US Special Forces Major who fought in the SS

Some men choose sides, others choose battles, and others fight regardless of the side or battle. One such man not only fought for three different…

Hans Joachim Marseille, anti Nazi & one of the most amazing fighter pilots of WWII

He was among Germany’s most accomplished flying Aces during WWII – though he hated killing. His success was valuable propaganda for the Nazis – yet…

Crazy Irishman: Rammed a Tiger II with his Sherman….then went off looking for a Firefly to make sure the Tiger wouldnt be going anywhere

In WWII, the Germans had a reputation for their formidable technology. What they did not consider, however, was the formidable Irish reputation for bullishness. John…