Vietnam war | War History

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63): The Decorated Aircraft Carrier That was Sold to Scrap Dealers for One Cent

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) at sea

In May 2022, the decommissioned supercarrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) arrived in Brownsville, Texas for scrapping. The iconic vessel served the US Navy for nearly…

The Real-Life Inspiration for Top Gun’s ‘Viper’ Made a Cameo in the Movie

Tom Skerritt as Mike "Viper" Metcalf in 'Top Gun'

Top Gun debuted in theaters in May 1986, and moviegoers had never seen anything like it. The film was sleek and cool, and portrayed the…

These Celebrities Bravely Served During the Vietnam War

Behind the scenes photo of Oliver Stone on the set of 'Natural Born Killers' + Behind the scenes photo of Jesse Ventura on the set of 'Predator' + R. Lee Ermey as Gunnery Sgt. Hartman in 'Full Metal Jacket'

Prior to embarking on their Hollywood careers – and even during them – a number of celebrities opt to serve in the US military. While…

Wes Studi Served in Vietnam Before Becoming an Actor and Veterans Advocate

Wes Studi as Magua in 'The Last of the Mohicans'

Wes Studi is best known for his roles in such award winning films as Dances with Wolves (1990), The Last of the Mohicans (1992), Geronimo: An…

A ‘Spooky’ Aircraft Known as Puff, the Magic Dragon – The Story of the Douglas AC-47

Douglas AC-47 Spooky in flight

“Puff, the Magic Dragon” wasn’t just a popular ’60s song by Peter, Paul and Mary, it was also the nickname for the Douglas AC-47 Spooky,…

Who Are the Latest Korean and Vietnam War Veterans to Receive the Medal of Honor?

Joe Biden presenting the Medal of Honor to Kenneth J. David

The Medal of Honor is the highest decoration that can be bestowed by the US military. It’s a symbol of gallantry in times of war…

James Risner Chased an Enemy MiG Into China to Shoot It Down, Then Survived the Hanoi Hilton

North American F-86 Sabres in flight + Military portrait of James Risner

James Robinson “Robbie” Risner was a skilled US military pilot, a double recipient of the Air Force Cross, and a hero of both the Korean…

Vietnam Veteran and Second-Longest Held POW in American History to Receive Congressional Gold Medal

Everett Alvarez, Jr. speaking into a microphone

Hundreds of US service members were taken by the North Vietnamese (NVA) and held prisoner during the Vietnam War. What makes Everett Alvarez, Jr. unique…

Vietnam-Era Helmet Found in Guernsey Charity Shop Returned to Family in the United States

Military portrait of Jeffrey David Rupp + Helmet insert with a peace sign and "Vote Nixon" written on it

An American Vietnam-era helmet that was discovered at a charity shop on Guernsey, in the United Kingdom, has been returned to the deceased man’s family…

The Vietnam War’s Heroic ‘Dustoff’ MEDEVAC Crews to Receive Congressional Gold Medal

Bell UH-1 Huey hovering over ground troops in the middle of a grassy area

Whenever troops are severely injured in battle, they’re extracted and airlifted to the nearest medical facility by MEDEVAC teams. These units, conducting “Dustoff” flights, as…

US Navy SEAL? Deadly Sniper? Debunking the Rumors About Mister Rogers’ Military Service

American soldiers running toward Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopters hovering over an open field + Portrait of Fred Rogers

Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood (1968-2001) was one of the most iconic children’s shows in North America. On-air for 31 seasons, it was lauded for its thoughtful…

William Calley: The Only US Soldier Convicted for His Actions in the Mỹ Lai Massacre

William Calley walking in his US Army uniform

William Calley has become synonymous with the horrific events that were perpetrated by American soldiers during the Mỹ Lai Massacre. A second lieutenant serving with…