MSN Slideshow | War History

Götheborg of Sweden: The Replica 1700s Ship That Rescued a Modern-Day Vessel In Distress

Ryan McLachlan
Götheborg of Sweden sailing along the coast

Götheborg of Sweden – or Götheborg III – is a seagoing replica of the Swedish East Indiaman Götheborg I, which was launched in 1738. The original ship…

The Best Vietnam War Movies to Watch If You Like ‘Platoon’

Willem Dafoe, Charlie Sheen and Tom Berenger as Sgt. Elias, Chris Taylor and Staff Sgt. Barnes in 'Platoon'

Platoon (1986) is one of the greatest movies about the Vietnam War. Starring Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe, the film was directed by…

Nearly 500,000 Purple Hearts Were Made In Preparation for the Proposed American Invasion of Japan

US Marines aiming their weapons in the field

Operation Downfall was a planned military operation by the United States and its allies toward the end of the Second World War. The aim was…

Behind-the-Scenes Facts About ‘Gladiator’

Ryan McLachlan
Russell Crowe as Maximus Meridius in 'Gladiator'

Gladiator (2000) is an acclaimed ancient Roman historical epic, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe. Set during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius,…

The WWII-Era Heroics of the Real-Life Monuments Men

Still from 'The Monuments Men'

During World War II, a group of unlikely heroes emerged who were dedicated to preserving the world’s cultural heritage. Known as the “Monuments Men,” this…

Ned Kelly: The Australian Outlaw Who Wore a Suit of Armor During His Last Shootout With Police

Ryan McLachlan
Heath Ledger as Ned Kelly in 'Ned Kelly'

Edward “Ned” Kelly was an infamous Australian bushranger, outlaw, gang leader and convicted police murderer. He’s best known for wearing a bulletproof suit of armor…

Witold Pilecki Risked His Life for the Polish Resistance By Voluntarily Being Imprisoned At Auschwitz

Two portraits of Witold Pilecki dressed in his Auschwitz prisoner uniform

Witold Pilecki was among the many unsung heroes of the Second World War, and his incredible courage and determination left an indelible mark on history.…

Photos That Showcase the Morale-Boosting Drag Performances of WWII

Kenneth More and Laurence Olivier dressed as women

There was certainly no shortage of soldier shows during World War II. On the frontlines, where many of these took place, a lack of women…

Pilots Were Meant to Fly the Gloster Meteor F8 WK935 While Lying Down

Gloster Meteor F8 WK935 on display outside

The Gloster Meteor was the first British jet fighter and the Allies’ only jet-powered aircraft to engage in combat during World War II. Following the…

Dale Dye Ensured These Military Movies Were As Authentic As Possible

Dale Dye on the set of 'Alexander'

Dale Dye is a US Marine Corps veteran who valiantly served his country during the Vietnam War. Upon his return to the United States, he…

Mata Hari: The Dutch Exotic Dancer Accused By the French of Being a Double Agent

Portrait of Mata Hari

Legendary exotic dancer Mata Hari was much more than meets the eye. With her captivating beauty, alluring performances and alleged involvement in espionage during the…

Pancho Villa: The Mexican Revolutionary Who Evaded US Capture For Nearly 11 Months

Rosemary Giles
Francisco "Pancho" Villa and other Mexican revolutionaries on horseback

Pancho Villa was easily one of the most beloved leaders of the Mexican Revolution. Born into a humble sharecropping family, he rose from poverty to…