The USS Missouri (BB-63) was the site of Japan’s surrender in WWII and went on to serve during the Korean and Cold Wars
The USS Missouri, nicknamed the “Mighty Mo,” was officially commissioned in January 1944, making her one of the last battleships to join the U.S. Navy…
Seven American Presidents who enlisted and served their country during World War II
Many future U.S. Presidents served in the military, but World War II was especially significant. During this global conflict, seven men who would later become…
The Niš Incident: How did this case of friendly fire happen during World War II?
During the Second World War,, the United States and the Soviet Union fought together against Nazi Germany. That’s why it was so surprising when, in…
U.S. Navy SEAL William McRaven led Operation Neptune Spear to take out Osama bin Laden
William McRaven is widely regarded as one of the most respected leaders in U.S. Navy SEAL history. As a four-star admiral, he played a central…
After becoming the most decorated American soldier in history, Audie Murphy starred in a movie about his experiences in combat
Audie Murphy earned national fame for his bravery during World War II, becoming the most decorated soldier in U.S. history. After the war, he started…
‘The Father of the Atomic Bomb’ decided to have a non-traditional final resting place out of the public’s eye
The 2023 release of Oppenheimer sparked new interest in the life and legacy of J. Robert Oppenheimer, often called the “Father of the Atomic Bomb.”…
General Austin Miller led American troops for a record-breaking 915 days in Afghanistan, including the critical final stages
In 2021, General Austin Miller made history as the longest-serving commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, leading for 915 days before retiring. A four-star general,…
There are no surviving documents about the Kugelpanzer, a German military vehicle confounding historians
During World War II, Germany produced a wide range of combat vehicles, and most of them have been thoroughly studied and documented. Historians generally know…
Do you know what the ‘D’ in ‘D-Day’ means? (Plus other incredible facts about the invasion that changed WWII’s outcome)
D-Day was one of the biggest turning points in World War II. On June 6, 1944, Allied forces—including troops from the United States, the United…
The “Sprint” anti-ballistic missile unlocked new speed levels for a weapon but was retired after only one year
After careful planning and big expectations, the U.S. military created an anti-ballistic missile (ABM) designed to shoot down Soviet re-entry vehicles (RVs). This missile, called…
Most people don’t realize that Japan’s surrender at the end of World War II was because of five key events
Japan’s surrender in World War II marked the end of one of the most destructive and challenging periods in history. Germany had already surrendered in…
A violent confrontation broke out when a Japanese pilot crashed on a Hawaiian island after bombing Pearl Harbor
December 7, 1941, is best known for Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor, but it also marked the beginning of the Ni‘ihau Incident—a lesser-known event involving…