The Doolittle Bombers Traded Their Tail Guns for Broomsticks
On April 18, 1942, the United States responded to Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor by doing something that had never been done before: launching bombers…
The US Military Used Tourist Maps to Prepare for the Invasion of Grenada
When the US military invaded Grenada in 1983, troops were grossly unprepared. Knowing little about the country, officials had to get inventive in order to…
The World’s First Ever Gliderborne Attack Allowed Germany to Take Belgium
Between May 10-11, 1940, Belgium’s Fort Eben-Emael was captured by a relatively small group of Germans. It was supposed to be manned by 1,200 soldiers,…
Tsar Nicholas II Wouldn’t Approve the Russian Army’s New Uniform Until He Tested It Out Himself
Tsar Nicholas II saw himself as not only a member of the royal family, but as a soldier as well. He received a military education…
Why Wasn’t the Second Antonov An-225 Finished?
The Antonov An-225 Mriya is an incredibly rare aircraft, with only one ever put into service. There was the intention to build a second, and…
Why the F-15 Eagle is the Best Fighter Aircraft of All Time
The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle is a twin-engine fighter aircraft that has served the US Air Force for decades. Entering service in 1976, the F-15…
Bastogne Was a Defining Moment for the 101st Airborne Division
The “Screaming Eagles” of the 101st Airborne Division proved their strength, stamina and heroism by pushing themselves to the absolute limit while undermanned and lacking…
Why Were Pigeons Onboard America’s First Aircraft Carrier?
The first American aircraft carrier was commissioned 100 years ago and onboard was a crew of small, winged comrades who proved their service was invaluable…
Was Ball Turret Gunner the Worst Position to Hold During World War II?
There were plenty of positions during World War II that put a serviceman’s life at risk. Arguably one of the worst was being the ball…
Here’s Why the Russian Sukhoi Su-27 Has Withstood the Test of Time
The Sukhoi Su-27, nicknamed the “Flanker” by NATO, is a Soviet-made aircraft that has withstood the test of time and continues to perform in almost…
The Mark 14 Torpedo Scandal of 1941-43
The Mark 14 Torpedo Scandal occurred during the period of 1941-43, with problems related to the weapon dating back almost 25 years. It was among…
Adrian Carton de Wiart: The Unkillable Soldier Who Frankly Enjoyed War
Adrian Carton de Wiart. Not many people know the name, but it belonged to one of the most battle-scarred soldiers in the history of the…