Samantha Franco

Samantha Franco is a content writer with a BA and MA in history, focusing on Victorian, medical, and epidemiological history. She has written content for multiple sites covering an array of historical topics.

Articles by Samantha Franco:

Why Can’t the Public Visit J. Robert Oppenheimer’s Grave?

Portrait of J. Robert Oppenheimer

The release of Oppenheimer in 2023 has increased the public’s interest in the life of the “Father of the Atomic Bomb.” However, one thing no…

‘The Hurt Locker’ Was a Box Office Flop, Despite Being a Critically-Acclaimed Film

Jeremy Renner as Sgt. First Class William James in 'The Hurt Locker'

Kathryn Bigelow’s The Hurt Locker (2008) saw Jeremy Renner portray a character serving in the Iraq War. While the film did poorly upon its debut in…

Niš Incident: The Top-Secret Military Confrontation Between the US and the Soviet Union

Lockheed P-38 Lightnings in flight

During the Second World War, the United States teamed up with the Soviet Union to fight the German threat. That’s why, in late 1944, it…

Before Starring Alongside Andy Griffith, Don Knotts Served In the US Army Special Services

Don Knotts as Barney Fife in 'The Andy Griffith Show'

Before Don Knotts became a household name for his roles on television and film, he scored some of his first comedy gigs serving in the…

Errol Flynn’s Son Disappeared While Serving As a Photojournalist In Vietnam

Sean Flynn holding up a weapon and sitting cross-legged in a hut

In 1970, Sean Flynn, son of Vintage Hollywood legend, Errol Flynn, disappeared in Cambodia while covering the Vietnam War. At 28 years old, he’d already…

Fictional Military Leaders We’d Follow Into Battle

Still from 'Apocalypse Now' + Bruce Willis as Lt. A.K. Waters in 'Tears of the Sun' + Clint Eastwood as Gunnery Sgt. Tom "Gunny" Highway in 'Heartbreak Ridge'

When it comes to military movies, directors can get a little carried away with the heroism of leaders. This list of fictional military leaders showcases…

Alan Turing’s Efforts to Decode German Enigma During World War II

Alan Turing sitting in a chair outside

Alan Turing was a British mathematician and cryptanalyst who worked tirelessly with a team of codebreakers during the Second World War. Together, they cracked encrypted…

Benelli M4: The Superior Semi-Automatic Shotgun Built Specifically For Combat

US Marine holding a Benelli M1014

Produced by Italian firearms manufacturer Benelli Armi SpA, the M4 semi-automatic shotgun is the fourth and final model of the Super 90 line. Built for…

Mont-Saint-Michel Was ‘Liberated’ By One Soldier and Two Reporters In World War II

View of Mont-Saint-Michel

During the Second World War, Mont-Saint-Michel was occupied by German soldiers, making it a highly-visited destination for the enemy. For four years, the French were…

There Was Almost a ‘Forrest Gump’ Sequel – A National Tragedy Prevented Its Development

Still from 'Forrest Gump'

Arguably one of the greatest films ever made, Forrest Gump (1994) charmed audiences around the world, smashing the box office and bringing several quotes into daily…

Cairo: The US Navy SEAL Involved In Taking Out Osama bin Laden Was Also A Dog

US Navy SEALs disembarking from a Sikorsky SH-60F Seahawk onto the flight deck of the USS Enterprise (CVN-65)

The death of Osama bin Laden is one of the biggest moments in history, and one name stands out among the heroes who were involved…

What Does John Wick’s Back Tattoo Say? The Meaning & His Marine Corps Connection

Keanu Reeves as John Wick in 'John Wick'

The John Wick franchise has been popular ever since the first film was released in 2014. Something that’s noticeably missing is any kind of explanation…