June Steele

June Steele is one of the authors writing for WAR HISTORY ONLINE

Articles by June Steele:

Operation Market Garden Led to a Decades-Long Treasure Hunt That’s Still Ongoing

Close-up of the map detailing the possible location of the hidden treasure

In 2023, the Dutch National Archives unveiled a collection of documents that had previously been classified as “confidential,” as per the customary 75-year term. Among…

The M249 SAW Machine Gun Continues to Enhance the Role of Infantrymen in Combat

Spc. Shawn Kennedy looking through the sight of an M249 SAW machine gun

The M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) machine gun – also known as the Light Machine Gun, 5.56 mm, M249 – is a critical tool for…

Princess Mary Crowdfunded Personalized Gifts for Soldiers Serving On the Western Front

Princess Mary Gift Fund box open, with its contents showing + Portrait of Princess Mary in military uniform

During World War I, then-17-year-old Princess Mary began a mission to bring a glimmer of hope and joy to those fighting on the Western Front.…

The Japanese Bolt-Action Arisaka Type 99 Rifle Saw Extensive Use In the Pacific Theater

Soldier aiming an Arisaka Type 99 rifle

The Arisaka Type 99 rifle was a significant evolution in the realm of military armaments. Born out of necessity in the 1930s, its development reflected…

The Dear John Letter Was a Symbol of Heartbreak Amid the Terrors of War

British soldier reading a letter outside

When its comes to wartime communications, few carry the weight of the infamous Dear John letter. Originating during World War II, these correspondences have become…

Ending the Deadliest Conflict in Human History: Why Did Japan Surrender in World War II?

Allied and Japanese military personnel standing on the deck of the USS Missouri (BB-63)

The Japanese surrender in World War II brought to a close one of the darkest and deadliest chapters in human history. While the Germans waved…

Northrop Grumman RQ-180: The US Air Force’s ISR Aircraft That’s Shrouded In Secrecy

Artist's rendering of the RQ-180

When it comes to aerial reconnaissance and surveillance, the Northrop Grumman RQ-180 holds a unique position. Developed in secrecy following the retirement of the Lockheed…

From Gangsters to the Battlefield: The Enduring Legacy of the Tommy Gun

Four British infantrymen holding Tommy Guns

When discussing the Tommy Gun, it’s essential to delve into the cultural impact it’s had over the years. Originally designed for the military during World…

The History Behind America’s Iconic ‘Uncle Sam, I Want You’ Recruitment Poster

Image of Uncle Sam painted on a brick wall

The iconic phrase, “Uncle Sam, I Want You,” has become a part of American culture, symbolizing a call to duty and patriotism. This iconic image,…

Sukhoi Su-30: The Russian Air Superiority Fighter That Rivals the American F-15E Strike Eagle

Sukhoi Su-30SM in flight

The Sukhoi Su-30 (Flanker-C) is a testament to the advancements made in contemporary air combat technology, offering pilots an incredible blend of agility, speed and…

Battle of Moscow: A Critical Turning Point In the Fight Along the Eastern Front

Three Red Army soldiers manning an anti-aircraft gun

When we delve into the defining moments of the Second World War, the Battle of Moscow stands out as a turning point that showcased the…

The Tragic Last Stand of the HMS Hood Against Germany’s Prized Battleship Bismarck

HMS Hood (51) at sea, with another ship in the distance

The HMS Hood (51), nicknamed the “Mighty Hood,” was the pride of the British Royal Navy, embodying the pinnacle of warship design in the early…