World War II | War History

How the Soviet Polikarpov Po-2 Biplane Went From Crop Plane to Lethal Weapon

The Soviet Polikarpov Po-2 plane was initially designed to be a crop duster but ended up being surprisingly essential for the Soviets during the Second…

Marina Raskova: The First Soviet Woman To Become A Professional Air Navigator

Meet Marina Raskova, the brainchild behind the little-known all-female night bomber regiment during the Second World War. These ‘night witches’ were so feared that any…

America’s Oldest World War II Veteran Has Died at the Age of 112

Military photo of Lawrence Brooks

The National WWII Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana has announced the passing of Lawrence Brooks, the oldest World War II veteran in the US –…

Remains Discovered In Poland Could Be Members of Elite WWII-Era Reconnaissance Group

Three members of the Long Range Desert Group pointing guns while riding in a Chevrolet truck

Work is currently underway to identify two sets of remains discovered in Poland. It’s believed they date back to the Second World War and could…

These Are the Salaries Paid to US Troops During Each War

Soldier saluting the American flag

Being a member of the US Army is one of the most valiant careers a person can choose. However, the job hasn’t always paid as…

Five Celebrated Military Commanders Who Might Not Live Up To Their Hype

Portrait of George Washington + William Halsey yelling + George Patton in military uniform

Nearly all notable military leaders are surrounded by controversy, usually from those who think they were great – and those who think they weren’t. As…

Eric James Brindley Nicolson Showed Great Skill In a Showdown with a Bf 110

Jesse Beckett
Hawker Hurricanes in flight + Victoria Cross + Eric James Brindley Nicolson in his RAF uniform

Eric James Brindley Nicolson was a member of the British Royal Air Force (RAF) who was awarded the nation’s highest honor: the Victoria Cross. As…

How Christmas was Celebrated at Home and on the Front During World War II

Santa Claus waving at a man + American soldiers in Burma sitting at a table

Christmas is a time everyone looks forward to – especially when a war is raging on. It could be argued the celebrations are of even…

Leonard Funk: One of the Most Decorated Paratroopers of World War II

Jesse Beckett
US soldiers walking through the snow + Military portrait of Leonard Funk Jr.

On September 5, 1945, Leonard Funk Jr. was awarded the United States’ highest distinction: the Medal of Honor. He earned the award during action earlier…

The Wreck of the USS Johnston (DD-557) Was Once the Deepest Ever Recorded

USS Johnston (DD557) shipwreck below the water + USS Johnston (DD-557) at sea

The USS Johnston (DD-557) was a destroyer that saw service with the US Navy during World War II. She saw the most activity in the…

Down Street Tube Station: The Secret Bunker Where the Dunkirk Evacuation and D-Day Were Coordinated

Tunnel dimly-lit by a single lightbulb

London was hit hard during the Second World War. Home to Britain’s government, it was a primary target of the Germans, who were looking to…

The Second World War Helped Launch Dick Van Dyke’s Acting Career

Dick Van Dyke as Mr. Dawes Sr. in 'Mary Poppins'

Is the fountain of youth real? A lot of movie fans seem to think it is. Actors like Paul Rudd, Jenifer Aniston and, of course,…