The M79 grenade launcher was a new innovation during Vietnam, but one flaw left operators vulnerable to attacks
The M79 grenade launcher picked up several nicknames over time, such as the “Thumper-Gun,” the “Bloop Tube,” and the “Wombat Gun,” which was coined by…
American soldiers in Vietnam quickly chose black market AK-47s over their own M16 rifles
The M16 rifle was originally designed for use in the dense jungles of Vietnam, but it quickly gained a negative reputation among U.S. troops. Many…
The Tank Museum Marks the 80th Anniversary of the Centurion Tank
Several new and improved tanks were introduced to the battlefield during the Second World War, and while the conflict was nearing its end, the British…
The German air force thought they had an advantage with the Fritz X missile, but the weapon actually made them more vulnerable
The Fritz X, also known as the Ruhrstahl SD 1400 X or Kramer X-1, was an advanced German weapon developed during World War II to…
Afraid of being sent to Vietnam, American soldier Charles Robert Jenkins deserted to North Korea where a worse fate awaited him
In 1965, American soldier Charles Robert Jenkins deserted his post and crossed into North Korea, hoping to avoid being sent to Vietnam. He believed he…
The B-29 ‘Kee Bird’ crashed decades ago, but its wreckage is still on top of Arctic ice
On February 20, 1947, U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Vern H. Arnett and his 11-man crew embarked on what was supposed to be a routine—but classified—flight.…
James Doohan became an icon as Scotty on ‘Star Trek’, but he also stormed Juno Beach on D-Day
James Doohan, a World War II veteran, used his real-life courage and military background to craft a standout acting career, most famously as Montgomery “Scotty”…
‘McHale’s Navy’ star Ernest Borgnine bravely served in the Navy during the Second World War
Ernest Borgnine had a long and successful Hollywood career, securing a lasting place in both film and television history. One of his most iconic roles…
World of Tanks Commemorating 80th Anniversary of VE Day with PvE Mission, Livestream from The Tank Museum
World War II officially came to an end in Europe on May 8, 1945, and World of Tanks is commemorating the 80th anniversary of the…
U.S. Army Rangers having a barbecue found themselves under attack when a local gang fired shots in Tacoma, Washington
In the 1980s, the surge of illegal drugs in U.S. cities caused a sharp rise in gang violence. While drug issues still continue today—especially with…
Hidden booby traps in Vietnam took a physical and mental toll on American soldiers
The Vietnam War is often remembered for the guerrilla tactics that caught American forces off guard. The Viet Cong, using their deep knowledge of the…
In a desperate move, Japan trained 6,000 ‘Kamikaze Frogmen’ but they never saw combat
As World War II was coming to a close, both the Allies and the Axis powers came up with daring and complicated plans to try…