An invasion similar to D-Day was planned for Japan to end the war in the Pacific, but Allied forces never had to implement it
As World War II neared its end, the United States formulated a bold initiative called Operation Downfall—a massive, two-part invasion intended to force Japan into…
Because of the uncertainty surrounding the Vietnam War’s exact start date, fallen soldiers like Richard Fitzgibbon Jr. weren’t recognized as official war fatalities
Historians continue to debate the precise beginning of the Vietnam War. Some point to 1887, when Vietnam became part of French Indochina, while others mark…
NFL players who left football behind and tragically died in the line of duty
Throughout history, several NFL players have traded their team jerseys for military uniforms, answering a call far different from the roar of stadium crowds. These…
Richard Marcinko was the founding leader of SEAL Team Six but his acclaimed military career spiraled when he was convicted of conspiracy
Richard Marcinko’s story began in the small town of Lansford, Pennsylvania, born to immigrant parents from Croatia and Slovakia. His early life was unremarkable—until at…
After the tragic death of Staff Sgt. Joseph Villaseno, his parents were touched when a kind stranger’s actions comforted them in their grief
After the heartbreaking loss of their son, Staff Sgt. Joseph Villasenor, in a tragic car accident, Rachel and Raymond Villasenor often visited his grave to…
World War II-Era German Bunker Found Beneath Couple’s Home
Carrie and Shaun Tullier have a house with probably the best foundations on Guernsey, in the Channel Islands. It starts with a two-meter-thick slab of…
With his uniform soaked in fuel following and IED blast, Alwyn Cashe made multiple trips to a burning vehicle to rescue his comrades and sacrificed his own life in the process
The Medal of Honor stands as the U.S. Army’s highest tribute to valor in combat, and Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe earned this distinction through…
James Risner was held for seven years in a Hanoi POW camp where he was viewed as a ‘prized prisoner’ by his captors because of his famed military career
James Robinson “Robbie” Risner was a highly decorated American fighter pilot, renowned as a double recipient of the Air Force Cross and a veteran of…
Amid a relentless attack from 2,400 Japanese soldiers, Colonel Merritt Edson led 830 troops to victory, demonstrating unwavering determination
After more than a full day of relentless fighting, the 1st Marine Raider Battalion braced for another brutal night of assaults. Surrounded and outnumbered—just 830…
Solemn ceremonies allowed surviving members of the USS Arizona to reunite with their fallen shipmates
The USS Arizona (BB-39), a Pennsylvania-class battleship named for the 48th state, joined the U.S. Navy in the 1910s and quickly became a proud emblem…
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…