War dogs were essential to the Vietnam War effort by alerting soldiers to hidden traps and scouting enemy positions
In the dense jungles of Vietnam, some of the U.S. military’s most reliable partners weren’t human—they were dogs. These canine soldiers carried out critical missions:…
Zumwalt-class guided-missile destroyers will be the first in the U.S. Navy outfitted with hypersonic weapons
The U.S. Navy is pushing forward with its hypersonic weapons program, targeting missiles capable of traveling at more than five times the speed of sound.…
Common sayings and phrases we had no idea originated in the Navy
Throughout history, sailors forged their own language at sea—shaped by storms, shipboard routines, far-flung ports, and the tight-knit world of life afloat. Over time, many…
The crew of the USS Pueblo was held captive by North Korea for a year where they were subjected to beatings and starvation
In 1968, the seizure of the USS Pueblo by North Korea ignited a tense international standoff at the height of the Vietnam War. Washington insisted…
Quentin Roosevelt died during WWI when his plane was shot down by Germans, marking the only time a child of a president was killed in combat
Throughout American history, military service has been woven into the lives of many national leaders, with 31 presidents serving in the armed forces before entering…
Once it became apparent people were interested in buying JFK’s first casket, Bobby Kennedy petitioned the government to have it buried at sea
After John F. Kennedy’s assassination in Dallas, his body was transported to Washington, D.C., in a bronze casket. This coffin served only as a temporary…
Pvt. Eddie Slovik was executed by firing squad for deserting his post during WWII, becoming the first soldier since the Civil War to be killed for the crime
Desertion posed a significant challenge for militaries on every front during World War II. In the U.S. Army, the majority of cases occurred in the…
Essential traits of history’s greatest military leaders and the lessons they imparted on the world
True leadership is about far more than a title or rank—it’s rooted in character, vision, and the impact one has on others. Many people hold…
General Dietrich von Saucken: The high-ranking officer who boldly and openly opposed the Führer near the end of WWII
Children are often taught that the surest way to deal with a bully is to stand up to them. During the 20th century, no individual…
The USS Texas served in both world wars, but its defining moment was during the invasion of Normandy when the ship was intentionally flooded for a better attack position
The USS Texas (BB-35) was among the most formidable battleships in the U.S. fleet, serving with distinction in both World Wars. Known for its powerful…
The practical and symbolic meaning behind the Navy’s iconic 13-button pants
For centuries, seafaring traditions have influenced daily life aboard ships, even though the beginnings of many customs remain unclear. One well-recorded exception in the U.S.…
Richard Fitzgibbon Jr. was killed by a fellow comrade in Vietnam and it took decades for his death to be recognized as an official war casualty
The exact starting point of the Vietnam War remains a topic of ongoing debate among historians. Some trace its origins back to 1887, when Vietnam…