Before Becoming a Big-Name Actor, Richard Todd was a Paratrooper Who Fought at Pegasus Beach
A number of famed Vintage Hollywood actors served during the Second World War. While many enlisted prior to launching their careers, other opted to pause…
Cessna A-37 Dragonfly: The Forgotten Legend of Vietnam
The Cessna A-37 Dragonfly is an American light attack aircraft. Developed from the T-37 Tweet basic trainer, which earned it the nickname, “Super Tweet,” it…
Operation Copperhead Was Almost Compromised By A Drunk Bernard Montgomery Lookalike
Operation Overlord was, at that point, the largest amphibious invasion in the history of warfare. It was no easy feat to keep something of this…
‘Perry Mason’ Star William Hopper Received the Bronze Star During World War II
American actor William Hopper is best remembered for his decade-long portrayal of Paul Drake in the original television run of the popular courtroom drama, Perry…
NPS Researchers Explore Underwater Remnants of the Battles of Guam
Just a few days after the Japanese launched their surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, the US military became embroiled in the First Battle of Guam.…
Mike Day: The US Navy SEAL Who Survived 27 Bullet Wounds Against All Odds
Detailing his service overseas in the book, Perfectly Wounded: A Memoir About What Happened After a Miracle, US Navy SEAL Senior Chief Petty Officer Mike…
The Best Navy Films to Ever Grace the Big Screen
Hollywood adaptations of military life can often fall short when it comes to their accuracy. From over-exaggerated facts, over-the-top explosions and overlooked details, many war…
US Army Mascot: Mules, Machine Guns and Mischief
Nothing screams team pride quite like a mascot. Even outside of athletics, many organizations usually adopt one as a symbol of good luck. The US…
The Fouled Anchor Is the Symbol of Chief Petty Officers, the Backbone of the US Navy
The fouled anchor is a symbol most associated with the US Navy. The term “foul” generally refers to something that’s wrong or difficult. However, its…
Viral Video of Russian Soldier Serves as Tutorial on How Not to Throw a Grenade
A number of videos and images have come out in recent months regarding the lack of training Russian recruits are receiving prior to being deployed…
Why Did Harry Truman Block An Attempt to Award Him the Medal of Honor?
The Medal of Honor is the United States’ highest and most prestigious military honor, and it’s typically awarded to recipients by the sitting president. When…
Netflix’s Adaptation of ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ Shows the Brutalities of Trench Warfare
One of the most talked about films of 2022 was All Quiet on the Western Front. The adaptation of Erich Maria Remarque’s classic anti-war novel…
Museum Releases Promotional Booklet Ahead of ‘The Third Man’ Film Anniversary
In advance of the 75th anniversary of the post-Second World War film The Third Man (1949) in 2024, a hand-sized booklet had been published to…
The British Army Took Over the Village of Tyneham to Prepare for D-Day
In December 1943, the British Army took over a village to prepare for the Allied invasion of Normandy. On the south coast of the United…
James Stewart Paused His Hollywood Career to Bomb German Strongholds In Europe
James “Jimmy” Stewart is among the most recognizable stars from the era of Vintage Hollywood. Starring in the likes of Vertigo (1958), It’s a Wonderful…
The Most Historically Accurate War Movies Ever Released
There’s nothing quite like a good war film, with over-the-top explosions and lifelike special effects. While a popular genre, there are some releases that stand…
The Tank Museum to Republish David Fletcher Book About the 79th Armoured Division
The Tank Museum in Bovington, United Kingdom has announced it’ll be republishing David Fletcher’s famed book, Vanguard of Victory: The 79th Armoured Division. Originally published…
Trailer for ‘Oppenheimer’ Released – Here’s What We Know About the Movie
The trailer for the much-anticipated biopic about notable theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer has been released. Directed by Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight trilogy, Dunkirk),…
How Many Times Did the World Nearly End During the Cold War? Answer: A Lot
There were numerous times throughout the Cold War where the world nearly ended. The Cuban Missile Crisis, for example, saw the United States and Soviet…
Retired Navy Adm. Jamie Foggo Rates Warship Battle Scenes from Popular Movies
American warships are often portrayed in film, due to their epic size and effectiveness in battle. In an interview with Insider, retired US Navy Adm.…
The Vought F-8 Crusader was Nicknamed the ‘Last of the Gunfighters’
The Vought F-8 Crusader was an American jet-powered fighter that served with the US Navy from 1957-76. During its tenure, the aircraft participated in the…
NR-1: The Smallest Nuclear Submarine In US Military History
Submarines are typically built to house a sizeable crew, given the amount of time they’re expected to serve beneath the ocean’s surface. There was one,…
The 50-Year Battle to Clear Charles McVay III In the Sinking of the USS Indianapolis (CA-35)
The USS Indianapolis (CA-35) was a Portland-class heavy cruiser commissioned by the US Navy in 1932. She was the flagship of Scouting Force 1 prior to the…
The Republic F-84 Thunderjet Was the ‘Champ of the Fighter-Bombers’
The Republic F-84 Thunderjet was an American jet-powered fighter-bomber. Primarily flown by the US Air Force from 1947-64, it suffered many issues during its development…
Army Ranger vs Green Beret: What’s the Difference Between These Special Ops Forces?
When comparing a US Army Ranger vs a Green Beret, there’s not usually an intention to suggest one is better than the other. Both are…
The Bofors 40MM Revolutionized Anti-Aircraft Combat
The job of an anti-aircraft gun is surprisingly demanding. It must be able to destroy or deter a fast-moving target by aiming not where it…
The Real-Life Battle Behind the Brutal Vietnam War Movie, ‘Hamburger Hill’
Some of the best war movies are based on real-life events – stories that are so fantastical that they’re almost unbelievable, such as Hacksaw Ridge…
The Degtyaryov Light Machine Gun’s Pan Magazine Made It Immediately Recognizable On the Battlefield
The Degtyaryov became the standard Soviet infantry light machine gun shortly after being introduced to the Red Army during the interwar period. While it had…
US Air Force, Pentagon Unveil New B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber
On December 2, 2022, the US Air Force unveiled the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider, its new dual-capable penetrating strike bomber. Developed to combat China’s growing…
How the Biggest Traitors In Military History Betrayed Their Countries
Military traitors are some of the biggest, most despised figures in history, but they’re also some of the most fascinating. It’s mind-boggling to consider how…
The USS Lexington Wreck Was Discovered Over 75 Years After the Battle of the Coral Sea
The sinking of the USS Lexington (CV-2) was one of many to occur during the Second World War, and her wreck has remained on the seafloor…
Famous Marines: 9 Celebrities Who Served In the US Marine Corps
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…
Esmond Knight: The British Actor Who Was Injured During a Battle with the German Battleship Bismarck
A number of British actors served during the Second World War, but few could claim they came face to face with the German battleship Bismarck…
Operation Long Jump: The Alleged German Plan to Assassinate the ‘Big Three’
A number of plans never came to fruition during the Second World War; one involved the use of bombs guided by pigeons, while another called…
MoH Recipient Richard O’Kane Was the US Navy’s Most Successful Submarine Commander
Richard O’Kane is the most successful submarine commander in the history of the US Navy. He served during the Second World War, and sank a…
Charles Brown Never Received His MoH Because He Deserted Before It Was Presented
During the 19th century, Korea was extremely isolationist. Before agreeing to the Japan-Korea Treaty of 1876, it didn’t have an interest in developing trade agreements…
Iraq War Timeline: Looking Back At the Conflict 20 Years Later
For many, it might feel like the Iraq War happened just yesterday, with the nightly news reporting updates on American troops overthrowing Saddam Hussein’s government…
RPD Machine Gun: The Soviet-Era Weapon That’s Seen Nearly 80 Years of Action
The Soviet Union developed a number of effective machine guns during World War II and the Cold War. Some were only used for a short…
Michael Alexander: The British Commando Who Escaped Death By Faking His Family Tree
Not all those who were captured in combat were taken as prisoners of war (POWs) during the Second World War. Some were shot on-site, particularly…
Battlefield Cross: A Powerful Symbol to Memorialize the Sacrifices of Fallen Soldiers
The Battlefield Cross has gone from having a functional purpose to providing symbolic meaning for those mourning the loss of their comrades. Its imagery is…
The Devastating Fire That Caused $700 Million In Damages to the USS Miami (SSN-755) and Forced Her Decommissioning
The submarine USS Miami (SSN-755) was decommissioned as a result of a planned fire that caused significant damage. Although there appeared to be no malicious…
Woman Who Faked Being Cancer-Stricken Ex-Marine Sentenced to Prison
UPDATE – 03/16/2023: Sarah Cavanaugh, who faked being a cancer-stricken ex-US Marine, has been sentenced to 70 months in federal prison, followed by three years…
US Military Video Shows Russian Su-27 Fighter Jet Colliding with Reaper Drone
US European Command (EUCOM) has declassified footage of a recent encounter between a Russian Sukhoi Su-27 and an MQ-9 Reaper operated by the United States.…
Mysterious US Navy Vessel Washes Ashore In North Carolina, Disappears Overnight
It’s not uncommon for strange things to wash ashore along North Carolina’s Outer Banks, but rarely are the objects related to the military. That’s exactly…
33 Rare Photos of the Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor
On December 7, 1941, the Japanese launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. Dubbed “Operation Hawaii,” it was intended to prevent the United States from…
6-Star General: Only Two Individuals Have Been Promoted to the Prestigious Rank
The rank of 6-star general is so high in the US military’s hierarchy that the designation has only ever been given out twice. Only one…
Five-Star Generals: The Nine Men Who Earned the US Military’s Highest Rank
Following the death of Gen. Omar Bradley in 1981, the elite rank of five-star general feels more like a legend than reality. Since Congress allowed…
Everyday Slang That Originated In the Trenches of World War I
The English language is constantly evolving, with new words being added all the time. This isn’t a new phenomenon, with terms and expressions from across…
Royal Navy Slang That’s Found Its Way Into Everyday Life
In Britain, it’s said you’re never more than 70 miles from the sea. Given this, the country’s most important means of defense has, historically, been…
Puckle Gun: The Early Machine Gun That Fired Both Round and Square Bullets
Many consider the Maxim to be the world’s first machine gun – and they’re technically not wrong. Developed in 1884, it was the first automatic…
Facts About the Award-Winning and Controversial Vietnam Epic, ‘The Deer Hunter’
The Academy Award-winning film The Deer Hunter (1978) is the most controversial Vietnam-era film – that’s not an opinion, it’s a fact. Starring Robert De…
Missing Man Formation: A Salute to Fallen Airmen
Have you ever looked up at the sky and saw a squadron flying overhead perfectly in position, only for one to suddenly pull away, leaving…
Roy Benavidez Survived ‘Six Hours of Hell’ to Save His Comrades
Roy Benavidez served during the Korean War and in Vietnam, although it’s his actions in the latter that he’s best known for. In an incredible…
Henry T Elrod: The Marine Corps Aviator Who Single-Handedly Took Out a Japanese Destroyer
Maj. Henry T Elrod was better known by his nickname, “Hammerin’ Hank.” The US Marine Corps aviator had always dreamed of taking to the skies,…
SS Normandie: The French Ocean Liner Lost to a Suspicious Fire During World War II
The SS Normandie was one of the grandest ocean liners to see service during the 1930s. When the Second World War broke out, she found…
The Personal Experiences That Influenced Oliver Stone’s Vietnam War Trilogy
Oliver Stone is arguably one of the best directors and screenwriters in Hollywood, known for his ability to bring blockbuster and award-winning stories to the…
M777 Howitzer: The US Military’s Lightweight Replacement for the M198
The M777 howitzer might not look all that intimidating when placed alongside its much larger counterparts, but this small and lightweight artillery system packs quite…
PL-01: The Polish Stealth Tank That’s Never Seen the Battlefield
Countries are always looking to equip their militaries with the latest equipment, whether that be new firearms or vehicles. In 2013, Poland wowed everyone with…
A B-2 Spirit Was the Victim of the Most Expensive Crash in US Air Force History – $1.4 Billion!
Undoubtedly, the United States has put a large amount of money into its Air Force between improving aerial technology, funding production and, of course, dealing…
Project 100,000: The Controversial Recruiting Program of the Vietnam War
As the war in Vietnam raged on, the United States military began to run low on men willing to enlist and serve abroad. To increase…
The Little-Known Lost Battalions of World War II
Everyone is aware of the Lost Battalion of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive; 554 men from the US 77th Division who became trapped by the Germans in…
British Actors Who Served In the Military
Actors are best-known for their work on-screen, with their pre-fame lives being, generally, forgotten. That being said, there are many whose pre-acting experiences influenced the…
Eddie Slovik: The Only US Soldier to Be Executed for Desertion Since the Civil War
Throughout the Second World War, Allied and Axis militaries struggled with desertion. Among the American forces alone, most occurred in the European Theater – an…
Four Men Aboard the USS California (BB-44) Were Awarded the Medal of Honor
The attack on Pearl Harbor was disastrous for American vessels, particularly those moored along Battleship Row. The nine were the primary targets of the Japanese,…
Meuse-Argonne Offensive: The Deadliest American-Involved Campaign of World War I
The Meuse-Argonne Offensive toward the end of World War I is widely considered to be the campaign that truly stopped any and all fighting along…
Classic Hollywood Actors Who Served During World War I
While it was still a relatively new phenomenon, Hollywood studios were cranking out film after film during the 1920s and ’30s. As a result, many…
Odette Sansom: The SOE Agent Who Became the First Woman to Receive the George Cross
In 1942, a young Odette Sansom responded to a call from the British Admiralty, asking for individuals to send postcards or family photographs from the…
Why Did the German Cruiser Deutschland Change Her Name During WWII?
Many ships have had their names changed or passed on to another. For example, the US Navy has had eight different vessels called Enterprise, with…
Horizontal Collaboration: How Traitors Were Dealt With Following the Liberation of France
When France was liberated in 1944, foreign press agencies were there to document the aftermath. Among the photos taken were of thousands of French women…
Dean Laird: The Ace Who Downed Both Japanese and German Aircraft During World War II
There were numerous air aces during the Second World War. These aviators exhibited bravery and courage in the face of danger, earning the status of…
George Patton Called Creighton Abrams a ‘World Champion’ Tank Commander
There are some military commanders who stand out among the rest, and Creighton Abrams is one of them. Serving during the Second World War, as…
Sprint Missile: The ABM That Traveled So Fast a Plasma Ring Formed Around It
After years of speculation and planning, the US military began developing an anti-ballistic missile (ABM) that could intercept Soviet re-entry vehicles (RVs). Called the Sprint…
The Tank Museum Exhibiting Rare Mark I Tank Model Painted By Percyval Tudor-Hart
The Tank Museum in Bovington, United Kingdom has announced one of the star attractions for its Tanks for the Memories: The Tank in Popular Culture…
Tom Cruise Keeping Connection to US Navy Alive with New ‘Mission: Impossible’ Film
Throughout the course of 2022, Tom Cruise couldn’t escape the hype of Top Gun: Maverick, the highly-anticipated sequel to the 1986 original film. The 60-year-old…
Netflix Releases Trailer for Highly-Anticipated ‘The Last Kingdom’ Sequel
The BBC Two and Netflix series The Last Kingdom (2015-22) may have aired its last episode one year ago, but that doesn’t mean fans haven’t…
Cast of ‘Saving Private Ryan’ – Where Are They Now?
Saving Private Ryan (1998) is arguably one of the best war films ever released. The film follows a group of US Army soldiers as they…
Russian Reservists Being Sent Into Combat With ‘Firearms and Shovels’
As the Russo-Ukrainian War passes the one-year mark, it appears the invading Russian forces may be struggling more than ever with a lack of equipment.…
Congressional Inquiry Called After Hundreds of Names Misspelled on New Korean War Memorial
UPDATE – 03/08/2023: Following the January 2023 revelation that hundreds of names were misspelled on the new Wall of Remembrance at Washington, DC’s Korean War…
Munitionettes: The Women Who Built Munitions During WWI
As World War I raged on, the British government was running low on soldiers and munitions. While conscription rectified the troop shortage, it only fueled…
USS Barb (SS-220): The Gato-Class Submarine That ‘Sunk’ a Train In Japan
The USS Barb (SS-220) was a US Navy submarine that became highly decorated after successfully sinking 96,628 tons of enemy shipping during her service in World…
USS New York (BB-34): The Only US Ship to Sink a German U-boat In WWI
The USS New York (BB-34) was a US Navy battleship and the lead vessel of her class. Named after the state of New York, she was…
George Preddy Jr: The American Ace Shot Down By Friendly Fire During the Battle of the Bulge
George “Ratsy” Preddy Jr. was a US Army Air Forces officer and Air Ace credited with downing 32 1/2 enemy aircraft. This made him not…
Folding Gun Models That Allow Operators to Hide Their Weapons In Public
A folding gun is a unique weapon that offers concealment, while also ensuring the operator is ready for action. Unfortunately, the designs are typically expensive,…
Rheinwiesenlager: The Notorious American Prison Camps That Held German POWs Following WWII
There were hundreds of thousands of prisoners of war (POWs) taken during World War II. Under the Geneva Convention, it was required they receive certain…
Is ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’ Really the Greatest War Film Ever Made?
The 1957 historical epic The Bridge on the River Kwai has long been regarded as one of the greatest war films ever made. Based on…
Battle of St Eloi Craters: The Relatively Unknown Battle That Devastated the Canadian Corps
Military historians have often overlooked the Battle of St Eloi Craters that occurred during the First World War. Perhaps this lack of interest is due…
Jackie Robinson Fought Segregation In the US Army Before Taking On the MLB
Jackie Robinson is remembered as the first African-American baseball player to break the color barrier and play Major League Baseball (MLB) in the modern era.…
Jim Morrison’s Father Played a Role In the Gulf of Tonkin Incident
For hardcore fans of The Doors, it’s relatively well-known that lead singer Jim Morrison‘s father was a flag officer in the US Navy. A lesser-known…
Matthew Modine Turned Down ‘Top Gun’ for ‘Full Metal Jacket’
Top Gun (1986) was among the most popular films of the 1980s, and it’s just one of the few box office hits Matthew Modine didn’t…
Jason Everman: The Nirvana and Soundgarden Member Who Became a US Army Ranger and Green Beret
Jason Everman, with his long curly hair and piercings, looked the epitome of a rockstar – because he was. As a young man, he played…
Going Against Orders, Paris Davis Braved 19 Hours of Enemy Fire to Rescue His Wounded Comrades
A number of soldiers distinguished themselves during the Vietnam War, but few displayed the bravery of Paris Davis. One of the first African-American officers in…
The Polish 1st Armoured Division Served As the ‘Cork’ of the Falaise Pocket
Nicknamed the “Black Devils” by the German military, the Polish 1st Armoured Division was created in the middle of the Second World War. Working with…
Frank Fiegel: The Real-Life Inspiration for Popeye the Sailor Man Didn’t Serve In the Navy
When E.C. Segar began his career as a cartoonist, he took inspiration from those around him. His most popular character, Popeye the Sailor Man, was…
Where Is Hacksaw Ridge, the Site Where Desmond Doss Saved the Lives of 75 US Soldiers?
Conscientious objector Desmond Doss staged one of the most daring rescues of the Second World War, risking life and limb to get 75 of his…
Two Aircraft Carriers Were Stationed In the Great Lakes During WWII
If there’s one thing aircraft carriers were known for during the Second World War, it was their role in changing the face of aerial combat.…
Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine – Where Do We Stand One Year Later?
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022 – exactly one year ago. Western countries had anticipated the military action for months as Russia began mobilizing…
Jewish Man Reunites With Family Who Hid Him and His Mother During WWII
David Rossler, 83, and his mother, Haja Sura Zoltak, were kept hidden by a Belgian family during the the Second World War, a defiant act…
Russia Loses 130 Armored Vehicles In Biggest Tank Battle of Russo-Ukrainian War
For three weeks, Russian and Ukrainian ground forces have been embroiled in a costly tank battle on the outskirts of Vuhledar, in southern Ukraine. The…
‘Full Metal Jacket’ Facts Every Movie Fan Should Know
A number of Vietnam-era films were released in the decade or so after the conflict’s conclusion, and among the most popular was Full Metal Jacket…
Val Kilmer Accidentally Landed Matthew Modine the Starring Role in ‘Full Metal Jacket’
Full Metal Jacket (1987) was one of director Stanley Kubrick’s masterpieces. It follows a young Marine during the Vietnam War who experiences the struggles of…