The Soviet Makarov pistol was formally replaced as the official Russian service firearm in 2003, but because so many were produced, they are still common in the country and around the world
Shortly after the conclusion of World War II, tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union escalated into the Cold War. This rivalry sparked…
Impressive military leaders throughout history who never lost a battle
Throughout the ages, some of the greatest leaders the world has known first proved themselves on the battlefield. Spanning civilizations from ancient Greece, Rome, and…
Television legend Norman Lear enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during WWII before his career in Hollywood
Norman Lear left a lasting mark on American television, rising to prominence in the mid-20th century as the creative force behind groundbreaking shows like All…
The USS Sachem (SP-192) served in both World Wars and was also used to run bootleg alcohol during Prohibition
Across the United States, numerous abandoned ships fade into obscurity, but few can match the fascinating and layered history of the USS Sachem (SP-192)—later renamed…
10 Deadly German weapons Allied forces encountered during the D-Day invasion
D-Day signaled a critical turning point in the European Theater, launching the Allied effort to liberate Nazi-controlled territory in Normandy, France. Troops landed under intense…
Priceless film footage of the D-Day landings filmed by director John Ford was lost forever in the English Channel
Ever questioned why there’s so little film footage from the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944? It’s easy to assume that recording the invasion wasn’t…
The USS Alaska was an impressive vessel but had a minimal role in World War II when it became clear that aircraft carriers were the more strategic option
Right from the start, USS Alaska (CB-1) stood out for her sheer scale and unique design. Although the Navy classified her as a large cruiser,…
Jock McLaren was trained as a veterinarian, but while serving during WWII, he had to rely on his medical training to survive when he became seriously ill behind enemy lines
Throughout World War I and II, soldiers came from all backgrounds. Robert Kerr “Jock” McLaren was a veterinarian by trade, but during his service with…
The Northrop F-5 was designed to be lightweight, cost-effective, and low maintenance, but failed to impress the U.S. Air Force
In the realm of fighter aircraft, designers have long pursued the ideal blend of high speed, affordability, and reliable combat capability. Northrop Corporation believed the…
Then and Now: Famous battlefields throughout history and what they look like today
Battles often leave lasting marks on the terrain, with traces that serve as valuable clues to the past. This article takes a look at how…
Gerhard Barkhorn flew for the Luftwaffe, but after WWII, he joined the Western German air force, collaborating with the very forces he once fought against
Gerhard Barkhorn’s legacy remains a subject of both respect and debate. As a Luftwaffe ace in World War II, his remarkable number of confirmed kills…
After being hit by enemy fire, a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress crashed down in flames, but Eugene Paul Moran who was manning the tail gun kept fighting – and survived
On November 29, 1943, Eugene Paul Moran was manning the tail gun of a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress during a bombing mission over Germany when…