The true stories of all seven American presidents who served during the Second World War
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…
German engineers tried to make a curved gun to shoot bullets around corners during World War II
The concept of shooting around corners—made famous in films like Wanted—does have a real historical foundation, though not in the way movies portray it. During…
Lawrence Fishburne rescued a young Emilio Estevez from a serious emergency behind the scenes of ‘Apocalypse Now’
During the production of Apocalypse Now in the Philippines, real-world hazards at times echoed the intensity of the story being filmed. At one point, 14-year-old…
9 of the craziest secret facts about the CIA that have been leaked over the years
Since its establishment in 1947, the Central Intelligence Agency has largely operated beyond public view, building a reputation defined by secrecy, covert strategy, and behind-the-scenes…
Over 17,000 Navy pilots trained on aircraft carriers in the Great Lakes during World War II
During World War II, aircraft carriers fundamentally reshaped naval warfare by allowing air power to strike far beyond the range of land-based aircraft. Yet not…
There are only three men who have achieved the rank of Six-Star General in US military history
The six-star general rank is among the rarest and most distinguished honors in U.S. military history, reserved for leaders of exceptional ability and influence. Only…
The Cessna A-37 Dragonfly was an important aircraft during the Vietnam War, and is still being used by Air Forces around the world today
The Cessna A-37 Dragonfly was a small but highly capable attack aircraft developed from the Cessna T-37 Tweet, which led to its nickname, “Super Tweet.”…
You’ll never guess what American troops found buried in the desert at the start of the Iraq War
Hidden beneath the shifting sands of desert battlefields, relics of countless conflicts remain, yet discovering a Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 is exceptionally uncommon. Dubbed the “Foxbat” by…
Russian forces continued to fight against the Germans after being attacked by chlorine gas at the Battle of Osowiec Fortress
World War I brought major changes to warfare, especially with the introduction of tanks and more advanced weapons. One of the most deadly new weapons…
R. Lee Ermey’s amazing acting career made him one of the most famous U.S. Marine Corps veterans ever
R. Lee Ermey became widely known for his unforgettable role as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Full Metal Jacket. His performance was especially convincing because he…
Fred Gwynne’s portrayal of Herman Munster was somewhat inspired by his service in the Navy during WWII
Fred Gwynne—best remembered for his memorable performances in roles such as Herman Munster and Jud Crandall—developed a strong sense of discipline well before entering the…
China secretly salvaged the wreckage of the British submarine, and nobody found out until 30 years later
In 1931, the British submarine HMS Poseidon (P99) sank after colliding with a Chinese merchant vessel off the coast of China. The disaster initially attracted…