Shahan Russell

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

Articles by Shahan Russell:

America’s Secret Weapon – used only once in WWII

It is not always superior weapons, numbers, or tactics that win battles. In this case, of all things, it was potatoes! After the Japanese had…

Before Calling it a Night: The One Man Demolition Squad Destroyed, With Grenades, Six Enemy machine guns posts

Thomas Currie “Diver” Derrick wasn’t among the first to join the Australian military when WWII broke out in 1939. When he finally did join the…

Total Hypocrisy: Awarded the Medal of Honor For Bravery Whilst His Country Locked up His Family in an Interment Camp

George “Joe” Taro Sakato is a second-generation-born American of Japanese descent, which was why his family had to relocate during WWII. Despite this, he joined…

The Most Decorated Pacifist of WWI: Stormed German machine gun nests, taking 35 machine guns, silencing 25 German troops & captured 132

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…

“Mr Immortal” Jacklyn H. Lucas was Awarded the MoH age 17 – Used His Body To Shield His Squad From Two Grenades

When Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, many Americans were understandably enraged. One person was so enraged, in fact, he fought the US military for the right…

The Latino Schindler – José Arturo Castellanos Contreras

During WWII, many did what they could to save Jews – including the Latino Schindler. José Arturo Castellanos Contreras was born on December 23, 1893,…

“Come & fight a Gurkha!” he yelled, lost his right hand throwing back a grenade then “single handedly” defended his post for 4 hours against 200 enemy soldiers, neutralized 31

Former Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw of the Indian Army once said: “If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying…

Audie Leon Murphy: WW2 Two Hero, Medal of Honor Recipient & Hollywood Mega-Star

Some people are so amazing it is hard to believe they are real. One such man started out in the real world, moved on to…

The British POW who was given permission to visit his dying mother – he returned to camp voluntarily only to dig a tunnel and escape

In WWI the German Empire was on the rampage. Europe has always existed through a complex network of alliances. When Germany united in 1871, it…

Real Heroes of Telemark – When Commandos Stopped the Nazis Nuclear Bomb Project

Nazi Germany invaded and occupied Norway in 1940. Though a relatively poor country (at the time) with only a population of about three million people, Norway had…

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…

Vietnam: Ignored Heavy Damage To His Aircraft & Repeatedly Attacked Enemy FLAK With Bombs & Cannon Fire

In 1967, the US Air Force attacked an industrial facility in North Vietnam. One of the American planes was severely damaged by intense flak, both…