Famous icons who served during World War II and survived life as a prisoner of war
While many well-known individuals played vital roles in World War II—whether fighting on land, serving at sea, or flying missions in the air—fewer people are…
After surviving six bullet wounds while storming Juno Beach, James Doohan went on to have a successful acting career as Scotty on ‘Star Trek’
James Doohan, a decorated World War II veteran, brought a sense of authenticity and toughness to his acting, most prominently through his role as Montgomery…
Among the prized artifacts from WWII, the Japanese Nambu pistol, brought home by American soldiers, remains a sought-after collectors’ item
At the turn of the 20th century, Japan focused heavily on strengthening and modernizing its military in pursuit of great power status. Leaders recognized that…
Developed by Germany, the Fritz X was the world’s first precision-guided missile but failed to meet the Luftwaffe’s expectations
The Fritz X, formally designated the Ruhrstahl SD 1400 X and sometimes referred to as the Kramer X-1, was one of Nazi Germany’s most advanced…
During WWII, German designers put significant effort into designing a mechanism that could curve bullets but the results failed to meet expectations
The idea of shooting around corners—popularized by the curving-bullet moment in Wanted (2008)—actually goes back to World War II. During the war, German designers put…
After his execution, Benito Mussolini’s body was displayed in Piazzale Loreto in Milan, the same spot where partisans had been executed by Fascist the year before
When World War II began, Benito Mussolini stood as a prominent international leader, having become Italy’s prime minister in 1922 with the goal of expanding…
During WWII, seven of America’s future presidents answered the call to serve, including JFK, George H.W. Bush, and Dwight D. Eisenhower
During World War II, many of America’s future leaders answered the call to serve, with seven men who would eventually become U.S. Presidents donning military…
Chesty Puller is the most decorated Marine in U.S. military history, receiving five Navy Crosses for his service across three major conflicts
Chesty Puller’s legacy is woven deeply into the history of the United States Marine Corps. As the most highly decorated Marine in American history, he…
Paul Newman joined the U.S. Navy four days before his 18th birthday and served aboard aircraft carriers during World War II
Long before he became a Hollywood legend, Paul Newman wore a Navy uniform during World War II, serving aboard aircraft carriers in the Pacific. In…
Audie Murphy, the most decorated soldier in American military history, also received honors from France and Belgium for his service during WWII
Audie Murphy’s legacy extends far beyond his battlefield heroics and Hollywood career. Behind the spotlight stood a man forged by struggle, perseverance, and an iron…
During the Siege of Jadotville, 156 Irish peacekeepers fought against 3,000 mercenaries for days and only surrendered when supplies ran out
In 1961, during the Siege of Jadotville, a contingent of 156 Irish UN peacekeepers led by Commandant Pat Quinlan found themselves surrounded by a much…
Patrol Boat, River – better known as the PBR– was designed to maneuver the winding rivers of Vietnam and influenced by a pleasure boat from Uniflite
The Patrol Boat, River—better known as the PBR—was a compact yet remarkably maneuverable craft heavily employed by the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. Built…