The USS Oriskany Was Purposefully Sunk In the Gulf of Mexico to Form An Artificial Reef
Laid down in the middle of World War II, the Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CV/CVA-34) didn’t see action until after the conflict. She was…
The Controversial Phoenix Program Was Created to Obliterate the Viet Cong
The Vietnam War was arguably the most controversial conflict of the 20th century. One of the most contentious aspects of the war was the Phoenix…
After Defecting to North Korea, Charles Robert Jenkins Was Held Prisoner for Over 39 Years
Charles Robert Jenkins was an American soldier who defected to North Korea in 1965. Contrary to what it may seem, his plan was never to…
Robert Downey Jr. Tackles Several Roles In Trailer for HBO’s ‘The Sympathizer’
The trailer for HBO’s upcoming Vietnam-era miniseries The Sympathizer has been released. Based on the 2015 novel of the same name by Viet Thanh Nguyen,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Mayaguez Incident: The Post-Vietnam Rescue Operation That Left Over 40 Americans Dead
Just weeks after the Vietnam War was declared to be over, a new conflict erupted, threatening the peace many US and South Vietnamese soldiers had…
The Ending of the Battle of Ia Drang Was Different Than How It’s Depicted In ‘We Were Soldiers’
We Were Soldiers (2002) is considered by many to be one of the best Vietnam War films ever made. This praise is largely due to…
Playboy’s Surprising Impact On the Vietnam War
For those fighting overseas during the Vietnam War, there was nothing like the comforts of home. From Adrian Cronauer‘s radio show on the American Forces…
17 Powerful Images That Show the Human Side of War
Since the First World War, every conflict has been well-documented. There are millions of photos showing soldiers, aircraft, tanks and battlefields, and behind them are…
PBRs: The US Navy’s Small and Nimble Watercraft In Vietnam
The Patrol Boat, River – commonly known as PBR – was a nimble, speedy riverboat commissioned by the US Navy, for use during the Vietnam…
Pardo’s Push Saved the Lives of Two Men, But Wasn’t Recognized for Decades
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.…
Gary Wetzel: The MoH Recipient Who Rescued His Commander, Despite Losing His Arm to Enemy Action
Medal of Honor recipients are built differently than your average soldier, and there’s no one who proves this more than Sp4c. Gary Wetzel. The Vietnam…
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…
Held Captive: Airman Richard Keirn Survived Being a Prisoner of War In Both WWII and Vietnam
Many servicemen found themselves fighting in not just the Second World War, but also in Vietnam. However, very few were held captive as prisoners of…
Joe Galloway: Legendary War Correspondent and Vietnam Hero
Joe Galloway is certainly a well-known name to those familiar with the Vietnam War. Whether through his book, We Were Soldiers Once… And Young, or the…
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…
These Celebrities Bravely Served During the Vietnam War
Prior to embarking on their Hollywood careers – and even during them – a number of celebrities opt to serve in the US military. While…
MACV-SOG: The Vietnam-Era Special Operators You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
You’ve heard of the elite Navy SEALs and Green Berets who conducted guerrilla and counter-guerrilla operations, trained local troops and quashed enemy uprising in Vietnam.…
Thanksgiving Day Mission: Six MACV-SOG Commandos vs. 30,000 Enemy Troops
Thanksgiving, a time for filling yourself with turkey, stuffing and potatoes in various different forms – unless you’re MACV-SOG, that is. Then it’s a time…
David Larsen Took On 50 Enemy Troops With Just An M60 Machine Gun
When an ambush turned sour, Petty Officer David Larsen took up arms to provide support for his fellow servicemen. Taking on an enemy force of…
Hugh Thompson Jr. Saved Innocent Civilians During the Mỹ Lai Massacre – He Was Deemed a Traitor
The Vietnam War saw the US military employ a number of controversial tactics in the name of protecting the American public. One of the worst…
Despite Being Up Against 2,000 Enemy Troops, Bernard Fisher Risked His Life to Save a Fellow Airman
During the Vietnam War, a number of US military service members distinguished themselves. Among them was US Air Force pilot Bernard Fisher, who risked his…
Vietnam Jungle: Six Horrifying Things US Troops Encountered During the War
The experience of war has always been intertwined with the environment. Weather, landmarks, climate and ecology all play a role in the outcome of a…
Billy Waugh Couldn’t Walk Away From the US Military, Not Even After Being Shot In the Head
Billy Waugh had a long military career, during which he honorably served. His commitment earned him many awards, including the Silver Star, four Bronze Stars,…
Theodore Roosevelt IV: Vietnam War Veteran, Activist and Environmentalist
Theodore Roosevelt IV is one of many in a long line of namesakes. His most well-known relative is his great-grandfather, Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, who served…
Vietnam War Movies That Best Show the Realities of the Conflict
Life was forever changed for the 2.7 million individuals who served in Vietnam. The realities of the war also changed cinema. Rather than show the…
John McCain Survived Being Imprisoned By the North Vietnamese for Over Five Years
During the years he served in the US Senate, John McCain was known for being a maverick. He earned this reputation by sticking to his…
Adrian Cronauer: The Charismatic Inspiration for ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’
Of all the films made about the Vietnam War, none are quite like 1987’s Good Morning, Vietnam. It follows Adrian Cronauer, a radio disc jockey…
Wes Studi Served in Vietnam Before Becoming an Actor and Veterans Advocate
Wes Studi is best known for his roles in such award winning films as Dances with Wolves (1990), The Last of the Mohicans (1992), Geronimo: An…
Mike Vining: The Incredible Career of the Delta Force Operator Behind the Famed Military Meme
Circulating around the internet is a meme featuring a soldier wearing glasses and his military uniform. He’s adorned with a number of different ribbons and…
Snipers: The Four Greatest Marksmen In Military History
Becoming one of the greatest snipers in history isn’t an easy feat to accomplish. The following four snipers, however, proved themselves worthy of the title…
The Douglas A-1 Skyraider: The Best Attack Plane Ever Made
The Douglas A-1 Skyraider was not only an integral aircraft used following WWII, but it was also a deadly weapon capable of eviscerating the enemy…
Richard Marcinko: The Controversial Navy SEAL Legend
Richard “Demo Dick” Marcinko had an average upbringing. Born into a family of Croatian and Slovakian immigrants living in Lansford, Pennsylvania, he was only 17…
The Unbelievable True Story of John ‘Chickie’ Donohue and ‘The Greatest Beer Run Ever’
There are a number of wartime stories involving beer. For example, William Speakman of the Royal Highland Regiment is famous for holding back 6,000 Chinese…
Operation Wandering Soul: The US Military’s Use of Psychological Warfare in Vietnam
The US military is no stranger to the use of propaganda and psychological tricks when it comes to conducting war. During World War II, the…
US Air Force Pilot Richard Ritchie Shot Down Five Enemy Aircraft in Vietnam
On August 28, 1972, US Air Force Capt. Richard Stephen “Steve” Ritchie and Weapons System Officer Capt. Charles Barbin DeBellevue successfully shot down a North…
Robert Howard: The Decorated Green Beret Who was Nominated for the MoH Three Times
Robert L. Howard was a dedicated US Army Special Forces soldier who received 14 wounds during his 54 months in Vietnam. His service afforded him…
The Vietnam War Featured Four Exceptional American Snipers
The battles of the Vietnam War were unlike any the US military had faced before. Early on in the conflict, officials realized snipers were going…
Richard ‘The Giant Killer’ Flaherty was the Shortest Green Beret to Fight in Vietnam
The US Army Special Forces, commonly referred to as the Green Berets, are one of the country’s most elite fighting forces. They’re known for their…
Did the US Try to Give France Nuclear Weapons to Use in Vietnam?
Vietnam has been a desirable target for many of the world’s most powerful countries since the French conquest in 1858. China, Japan and the United…
The Ace of Spades Was Used By the 101st Airborne Before It Became the ‘Death Card’
Symbols during wartime are important and, more than that, they are powerful. Winston Churchill famously used the “V for Victory” symbol during World War II,…
MoH Recipient William H. Pitsenbarger Gave His Life Trying to Rescue His Injured Comrades
Servicemen are presented with the Medal of Honor when they showcase incredible acts of valor. The highest and most prestigious award in the US military,…
Nine of the Most Infamous Booby Traps Used By the Viet Cong
The Vietnam War was infamous for the guerrilla warfare the American forces were largely unprepared for. The Viet Cong were on home turf and used…
The History of Fragging in the US Military
Leading a group of soldiers during wartime is a massive responsibility, and the decisions made can often mean the difference between life and death for…
Seven Little-Known Facts Fans Need to Know About ‘Apocalypse Now’
When it was released in 1979, Apocalypse Now was unlike any war movie the public had ever seen, forever changing the genre. The film, written by…
Lt. Gen. Larry Jordan on His Military Career and the Service of African-Americans in WWI
The US military has a long and complicated history when it comes to the treatment of minorities within its ranks. While things have certainly improved,…
The History of the US Navy’s TOPGUN School
The popular Tom Cruise movie Top Gun debuted in theaters in 1986, and features Cruise and his co-stars attending the US Navy’s TOPGUN school –…
Anti-War Resistance in the US Military During the Vietnam War
Following the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor during World War II, many American civilians were eager to go off to war. It was a much…
Lockheed AC-130: The Gunship That Provided Much-Needed Support in Vietnam
The Lockheed AC-130 is a special operations gunship that can trace its history back to the Douglas C-47 Skytrain. Over its nearly 60 years of…
The USS Midway’s Aircraft Were Credited with the First MiG Kills in Vietnam
Air battles became very common during World War II. As a result, the leading powers in the world had to build more aircraft carriers. The…
Phil Bucklew: The Father of US Naval Special Warfare
Following the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, individuals from all kinds of professions enlisted in the US military, including musicians, movie stars and athletes. Phil…
David Hackworth: The Highly Decorated 101st Veteran Who Led Tiger Force In Vietnam
When he was still a teenager, David Hackworth decided that he wanted a life of adventure. And he certainly succeeded in accomplishing that feat. The…
The M203 Grenade Launcher’s Decades of Service Are Proof of Its Effectiveness
Throughout the course of the Vietnam War, the US Army developed a number of grenade launchers to aid forces in Southeast Asia. One of those…
C-4: The Vietnam-Era Explosive Still Used Today
The Second World War was the catalyst for countless new technologies that we still use today. From medicines like penicillin to the atomic bomb and…
The History Behind the USAF’s Top-Secret Fighter Pilot Unit in Vietnam
A new documentary slated to premiere on PBS stations on May 2, 2022 will introduce audiences to the never-before-told story of 157 US Air Force…
US Troops in Vietnam Hated the M16 So Much They Picked Up the Enemy’s AK-47s
The M16 rifle was initially adopted for use in jungle warfare operations in Vietnam. However, it wound up being such an unreliable weapon that American…
From the Scythians to Russia: The Use of Scorched Earth Tactics in War
Scorched earth tactics have been used nearly as long as armies have conducted military campaigns. While the practice is less common in modern times, it…
10 Photos of US Troops Displaying Enemy Flags Like Trophies
The “loss” of a unit or army’s colors refers to the capture of a flag in battle or it being taken away as a form…
Turning Personal Experiences Into Song: Six Musicians Who Served in the US Military
The very best songwriters in the world call on their life experiences to help inform their music – and serving in the US military is…
Daughter Surprises Vietnam War Veteran – He Never Knew She Existed!
When Vietnam War veteran Gary Barnes received a call one day in 2017, he couldn’t have anticipated who was on the other end of the…
Operation Lam Son 719 Obliterated America’s Helicopter Force in Vietnam
American warfare in the 20th century featured big technological advances during each respective conflict. The Vietnam War, for example, featured thousands of helicopters, which were…
The Controversial History of Napalm and Its Use in War
The use of fire in warfare is horrific and terrifying. It’s also nothing new. The ancient Greeks used petroleum-based fire weapons, referred to as “sticky…
Dale Dye Has Dedicated His Life to the Authenticity of Combat in Hollywood
Dale Dye is a career military man. Enlisting in the US Marine Corps just two years into adulthood, he served three tours in South Vietnam…
The A-6 Intruder was the US Military’s Aircraft of Choice During the Vietnam War
Over the course of World War II and the Korean War, the use of aircraft saw a rapid increase. As a result, the technology of…
John Levitow: The Lowest-Ranking US Air Force Airman to Receive the Medal of Honor
John Levitow came from humble beginnings, but achieved great things. By the time he retired from his career with the US Air Force, he was…
NFL Players Who Lost Their Lives Serving in the US Military
When it first began, it was common for National Football League (NFL) players to serve in the US military. While it has since become much…
Why Was Jimi Hendrix Discharged from the US Army?
Jimi Hendrix died in September 1970, at the young age of 27. He packed quite a legacy into those 27 years, becoming perhaps the greatest…
Wild Weasels Undertake the US Air Force’s Most Dangerous Missions
There is nothing we love more than a good motto! The unofficial slogan for the US Air Force’s Wild Weasel crew is “YGBSM” – an…
F-104 Starfighter: The Lightweight Fighter-Bomber Nicknamed ‘The Widow Maker’
Throughout the 20th century, aviation missions grew much safer. That didn’t mean, however, that some aircraft were more safe than others. Following the Korean War,…
R. Lee Ermey: US Marine Corps Sergeant and Respected Hollywood Actor
R. Lee Ermey may best be known for playing Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket, but he was also a real-life Marine…
The Most Important Battleships in American History
In order to remain a prominent world power in the late 1800s, the US had to keep up with the latest military technology. When South…
The M79 Grenade Launcher Had Its Benefits and Drawbacks
The M79 grenade launcher was known by many names, including the “Thumper-Gun” and the “Bloop Tube” – Australians even called it the “Wombat Gun.” Resembling…
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…
Sidney Shachnow: The Holocaust Survivor Who Became a Green Beret
Sidney Shachnow was a Lithuanian Jew who experienced – and survived – the Holocaust. Imprisoned in the Kovno Ghetto during World War II, he suffered…
John Singlaub: Special Operations Legend and Anti-Communist Crusader
There are few US military generals who have as storied and controversial a career as Major General John Singlaub. He fought in three wars before…
Why the Viet Cong’s Tunnels Were So Deadly And Highly Effective
Of all of the nasty, uncomfortable, deadly, and outright terrifying jobs carried about by those who served in the Vietnam War, clearing Viet Cong tunnels…
The M60 Machine Gun Has Withstood the Test of Time, Here’s Why
The M60 machine gun is as much a symbol of the Vietnam War as the peace sign. This weapon was loved and loathed – it…
The Shotguns of WWII: Model 1897 and Model 1912
Aside from a flame thrower, there are few close-range weapons as deadly as a shotgun. Shotguns are terrifyingly effective at short ranges, as their shot…
The Evolution of Sea Mines and Their Impact on War
Sea mines are some of the most terrifying and destructive weapons at a navy’s disposal. Capable of wreaking havoc on fleets, they’re a staple of…
US Marine Corps Deactivating Island Warriors Battalion
The US Marine Corps has announced it will be deactivating its famed 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment – better known as the Island Warriors battalion…
Charles McGee, One of the Last Surviving Members of the Tuskegee Airmen, Dead At 102
Brigadier General Charles McGee, one of the last surviving members of the groundbreaking Tuskegee Airmen, has passed away, according to a statement released by his…
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…
These Are the Salaries Paid to US Troops During Each War
Being a member of the US Army is one of the most valiant careers a person can choose. However, the job hasn’t always paid as…
President Biden Approves Honors for Battle of Mogadishu, MoH for Korean and Vietnam War Veterans
US President Joe Biden has signed the National Defense Authorization Act, a $768 billion defense policy bill aimed at allocating military spending and procuring reforms…
5 Things We Didn’t Know About Lt. Dan from ‘Forrest Gump’
The 1994 movie Forest Gump often ends up on lists of the greatest films ever made, thanks to its excellent story, great soundtrack, and brilliant…
Dwight Johnson: Medal of Honor Recipient and Vietnam War Hero
On January 15, 1968, Dwight Johnson transformed into a one-man army after the tank he was driving became immobilized while under intense enemy fire. He…
Drew Dix: The First Special Forces Member to Receive the Medal of Honor
Drew Dix was an American Special Forces member who famously fought in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive. Dix successfully fought his way through a city…
William T. Perkins Jr: The Only Photographer to Receive the Medal of Honor
There are few service members who have been awarded the Medal of Honor, and even fewer who have done so as a photographer. In fact,…
The Most Unforgiving Battlefield Conditions in Military History
When discussing battles throughout the history of warfare, the participants and the equipment and tactics they used are usually the focus. However, the actual physical…
During the Vietnam War, the CIA Paid Spies with Products from the Sears Catalog
Sometimes the most interesting aspects of military operations are the small logistical matters that are often overlooked. An example of this is how the CIA…
Charlie Beckwith: How The Father Of Delta Force Formed The Elite Fighting Group
In the 1960s, Charlie Beckwith from the US military helped set up and lead an elite force of troops akin to the British SAS. Code-named…
This Art Installation Pays Tribute to the Soldiers Who Lost Their Lives in Vietnam
At the Harold Washington Library Center in Chicago, Illinois is one of the most powerful pieces of military art ever constructed. Titled Above and Beyond,…
The Baffling Death Of Mike Turpin, A US Army Broadcaster In Vietnam
Mike Turpin hardly seemed like the type of person who would die under mysterious circumstances. He had been in Vietnam with the 1st Infantry Division.…
Remember When Mickey Mouse Fought In the Vietnam War?
There was a lot of protest surrounding the United States’ involvement in Vietnam. Many felt the government was unjust in its decision to conscript men…
The M42 Duster Played A Crucial Role in Vietnam
From 1966 until the end of the Vietnam War, the relatively small yet extremely deadly M42 Duster was brought out of retirement and used against…