Charles Robert Jenkins: The American defector who was held prisoner in North Korea for over 39 years
In 1965, Charles Robert Jenkins made a decision that would shape the rest of his life. While stationed near the heavily fortified Korean Demilitarized Zone,…
Clive Dunn and 9 other celebrities who were held as prisoners of war during their service in WWII
While countless individuals played vital roles in the Allied war effort—across land, sea, and air—less widely known is the fact that several future celebrities also…
Inside the mind of the military genius who planned Operation Neptune Spear
William McRaven is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of the United States Navy SEALs. Rising to the rank…
Before he was on ‘Star Trek,’ James Doohan landed on Juno Beach and took out two enemy snipers on D-Day
James Doohan, a World War II veteran, used his bravery and service as a stepping stone to a successful acting career that would go on…
The 10 most fearsome military units to ever hit the battlefield
Across history, some military units earned reputations so formidable that their names alone inspired fear well beyond the battlefield. Their success was rarely the result…
Nambu: The pistol that gave the Japanese an edge in the Pacific Theater
At the beginning of the 20th century, Japan pursued an aggressive campaign of military modernization and expansion as it sought recognition as a major world…
The pioneering Vietnam War-era Special Operators you’ve probably never heard of
During the Vietnam War, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group operated under such strict secrecy that even many within the U.S. military…
These are the 7 American Presidents who served in the US Military during World War II
During World War II, a number of future American presidents stepped away from civilian life to serve in the armed forces, with seven eventually wearing…
Operation Lam Son 719: The joint US-South Vietnamese mission that obliterated America’s helicopter force
During the Vietnam War, helicopters became central to the way the United States conducted combat operations. They reshaped military strategy by changing how soldiers were…
Five-Star Generals: The nine men who earned the US military’s highest rank
Since the passing of Omar Bradley in 1981, the five-star rank has remained a powerful symbol of exceptional military leadership. Established by Congress in 1944…
The M79 grenade launcher saw a lot of action in Vietnam, but how useful was it really?
Known by nicknames such as the “Thumper-Gun,” the “Bloop Tube,” and, among Australian troops, the “Wombat Gun,” the M79 grenade launcher became instantly recognizable for…
The tragic story behind the downing of the B-17 Flying Fortress ‘Wee Willie’
As the Second World War neared its end, Allied bombers continued launching intense strikes aimed at crippling what remained of Germany’s military and industrial capacity.…