MSN Slideshow | War History

Tom Hanks Fired An Actor from ‘Band of Brothers’ Because He Had ‘Dead Eyes’

Clare Fitzgerald
Still from 'Band of Brothers' + Tom Hanks wearing a suit + Connor Ratliff speaking into a microphone

Band of Brothers (2001) is one of the best miniseries ever released. Depicting the World War II-era service of Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment,…

Roddie Edmonds: The NCO Who Risked His Life to Save Hundreds of Jewish-American POWs

British prisoners of war (POWs) standing behind a barbed wire fence + Military portrait of Roddie Edmonds

A number of Americans risked their lives to save those in trouble during the Second World War, but few were as brave as Master Sgt.…

Behind-the-Scenes Facts About ‘Crimson Tide’

Ryan McLachlan
Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman as Lt. Cmdr. Ron Hunter, Executive Officer and Capt. Frank Ramsey, Commanding Officer in 'Crimson Tide'

Crimson Tide (1995) is an American submarine thriller directed by Tony Scott and starring actors Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman. The film masterfully combines suspenseful…

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…