Samantha Franco

Samantha Franco is a Freelance Content Writer who received her Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the University of Guelph, and her Master of Arts degree in history from the University of Western Ontario. Her research focused on Victorian, medical, and epidemiological history with a focus on childhood diseases. Stepping away from her academic career, Samantha previously worked as a Heritage Researcher and now writes content for multiple sites covering an array of historical topics.

In her spare time, Samantha enjoys reading, knitting, and hanging out with her dog, Chowder!

linkedin.com/in/samantha-v-franco

Articles by Samantha Franco:

PBRs: The US Navy’s Small and Nimble Watercraft In Vietnam

Still from 'Apocalypse Now'

The Patrol Boat, River – commonly known as PBR – was a nimble, speedy riverboat commissioned by the US Navy, for use during the Vietnam…

The Plumbing Disaster That Led to the Sinking of U-1206

Toilet onboard the HMS Alliance (P147) + Painting of a U-boat being sunk at sea

During the later years of the Second World War, the German U-boat U-1206 was cruising silently off the coast of Scotland. It was one of…

Pave Low: Converting Search and Rescue Helicopters for Use In Special Ops

Sikorsky MH-53 Pave Low in flight

Sikorsky MH-53 Pave Lows had the ability to perform both search and rescue and special operations missions. “Pave” stands for “Precision Avionics Vectoring Equipment,” the…

Pardo’s Push Saved the Lives of Two Men, But Wasn’t Recognized for Decades

John "Bob" Pardo standing with his arms crossed + McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II in flight

Capt. John R. “Bob” Pardo was assigned to the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, 433rd Tactical Fighter Squadron, which attacked an integral North Vietnamese steel mill.…

Dwight D. Eisenhower Took Extra Measures to Ensure the Holocaust Was Never Forgotten

Dwight D. Eisenhower and George Patton standing with other US military officials + Exterior of Ohrdruf concentration camp

Dwight D. Eisenhower viewed firsthand the crimes that were committed by the Germans at concentration camps when he visited the newly-liberated Ohrdruf during the Second…

The Laconia Incident Took More Lives Than the Sinking of the Titanic

Survivors of the Laconia Incident standing on the top decks of the U-156 and U-507

During the Second World War, an incident occurred that appeared to make the Germans the heroes and paint the Americans in a bad light. While…

Workers At the Polish Post Office in Danzig Held Off a German Siege for 15 Hours

German soldiers leading prisoners along the side of a building

The first official move of the Second World War was when the Germans invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. The attack was dubbed “Fall Weiss,”…

Famous Marines: 9 Celebrities Who Served In the US Marine Corps

Steve McQueen as Capt. Virgil "The Cooler King" Hilts in 'The Great Escape' + Harvey Keitel as Winston "The Wolf" Wolfe in 'Pulp Fiction'

Throughout the history of the US Marine Corps, there’ve been many Leathernecks who’ve gained fame through impressive feats of bravery and valor. There are also…

Josef Mencik: The Last Knight Who Stood Up to the Germans In WWII

Re-enactor dressed in medieval-era armor

When the Germans went to invade Czechoslovakia during the Second World War, it was believed they wouldn’t experience much – if any – retaliation. However,…

How Trenches Changed the Face of Warfare During WWI

Aerial view of trenches on the Western Front + Soldier walking across a wooden bridge in a trench

If there’s one thing World War I is known for, it’s the use of trenches as a means of protection and strategy. They could be…

Award-Winning Actor George Kennedy Served Under Gen. George Patton

Portrait of George Kennedy

We’re used to seeing Academy Award-winning actor George Kennedy in tough-guy film and television roles. He was able to draw upon personal experience to do…

Sergeant Reckless: The Artillery Horse That Braved Enemy Fire In Korea

Sergeant Reckless standing outside

During the Korean War, there was one Marine who stood out from the rest. Not only for her skill and bravery, but because she was…