planes | War History

21-Year-Old Bomber Pilot Who Died Saving His Comrades in WWII

On the night of May 30, 1942, Britain launched its largest bombing raid so far in World War Two. Of the 1,047 bombers that flew,…

Fog Of War – Often, the Allies Couldn’t Tell if Bombing Campaigns Were Working

Destructive bombing raids against Germany were a vital part of World War Two. They let the Allies lash out against the Nazi war machine long…

The First Thousand-Bomber Raid – Changing the WWII Air War

From the start of the Second World War, Britain’s Royal Air Force (RAF) committed themselves to a particular bombing strategy. They believed that, with heavy…

He Was Awarded the Medal of Honor and then Demoted

It is perhaps a tale that Veterans of the United States Air Force are more familiar with, the story of “Airman Snuffy.” Given a choice…

The First Medal of Honor Recipient of WW2 Stood His Ground at Pearl Harbor

Jeff Edwards

It is fitting in a war which would require inexplicable gallantry to win that it would begin with actions worthy of the nation’s highest military…

The Crew Of The B-24 Liberator “Star Valley” – Downed Behind Enemy Lines

War History Online presents this Guest Article by Mark Gero Saturday, February 5th, 1944, in a remote part of central France lies a village called…

Second World War Naval Reservist Was Awarded the VC After Surviving 31 Air Attacks in 4 Days

At the start of the Second World War, thousands of reservists were called up to serve in the armed forces of Britain and other European…

Learning the Luftwaffe’s Secrets: How Intelligence Gathering Shaped the Battle of Britain

In WWII the Battle of Britain was fought in the air. A victory was achieved through the skill and courage of the rightly revered fighter…

“I did my bit” – Veteran served as pilot with Army Air Corps during World War II

War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star…

The ‘Cisco Kids’: Tuskegee Airmen brothers George and Arnold Cisco

War History Online presents this Guest Article from Eugene Jones Baldwin Arnold and George Cisco grew up in mostly white, rural Jerseyville, Illinois, graduating with…

Six American Aircraft Which Were Crucial To Victory In World War II

Aircraft had begun to play a crucial role in the battles of World War I, but by the Second World War, aircraft had become a…

This WW2 Soviet Fighter Ace Had No Legs But Flew 86 Combat Missions And Shot Down 11 Luftwaffe Planes

Alexei Maresyev was a celebrated Soviet pilot and a Hero of the Soviet Union, who became famous for his determination to continue the fight, even…