Shahan Russell

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

Articles by Shahan Russell:

Alvin Cullum York: the Most Decorated Pacifist of the First World War

He was a deeply religious man who abhorred violence and warfare. Despite that, he went on to become the most decorated veteran of WWI. Alvin…

When Iran Air Flight 655 Was Shot Down By A US Navy Guided Missile Cruiser

In 1988, a US warship shot down an Iranian commercial plane, killing all onboard. The American captain and his crew were hailed as heroes, Scotland…

Used His Last Moments In a Burning B-24 To Sink a U-Boat – Rescued German Captain Recommended Him For a VC

Flying Officer Lloyd Allan Trigg was awarded a Victoria Cross for destroying a German submarine in WWII. The only reason we know of his heroic deed…

Things We Didn’t Know About the American Civil War

The American Civil War was fought from April 12th, 1861 to May 9th, 1865 between the Confederate States (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina,…

Vice Admiral Stockdale: “Hanoi Hilton” Beats His Face With a Stool, Cuts His Scalp And Wrists to Stop North Vietnamese Propaganda Attempts

He was a POW for years, and instead of beating up his captors, chose to beat himself up, instead. His reward? To be laughed at…

The Misfit Who, On His First Mission, Became the First Enlisted Airman To Receive a Medal of Honor

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…

In 1943, Several US Airmen Went On A Suicide Mission. Two Men Were Awarded A Medal Of Honor For Separate Acts Of Heroism In One Cursed Bomber

In 1943, several US airmen went on a suicide mission. Two men were awarded a Medal of Honor – the only time in WWII that…

The Battle of Long Tan: 1500 Strong VC and NVA Force Ambushed 108 Aussies, They Lost

During the Vietnam War, 108 Australian soldiers stood against some 1,500 to 2,500 Vietnamese forces near the village of Long Tan. When the battle was…

The US Special Forces Major Who Fought for Three Different Armies

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…

James Doohan – Star Trek Star Shot Two Snipers On D-Day And Was Shot Seven Times In WWII

He saw action during WWII and in outer space. His exploits inspired many to enter the engineering profession, while one followed him to the moon.…

This Russian Refused To Launch Nuclear Missiles During The Cuban Missile Crisis – He Saved The World

The fact that you can read this is because of a man who said “no” due to an accident. In doing so, he literally saved the world.…

The Heroic German Officer Who Gave His Life Trying to Save an American in a Minefield

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