World War 2 | War History

The Red Army Used Camels to Fight the Germans at the Battle of Stalingrad

Two German soldiers riding a camel

The Second World War saw numerous technological advancements intended to provide distinct advantages over the enemy. Among these were, of course, tanks, which were used…

The Oddest Showdown of World War II? American Blimp vs German U-boat

Blimp hovering over a German U-boat at sea

In what was arguably the oddest battle to take place during the Second World War, a US Navy blimp duked it out with a German…

‘The Dam Busters’ Was Inspired By the Heroics and Heavy Losses of No. 617 Squadron RAF

Still from 'The Dam Busters'

While there are many good war films, few can be considered truly great. The Dam Busters (1955) is one of the few that falls into…

Hero or Traitor? The Unsolved Disappearance of Leonid Khrushchev

Nikita Khrushchev holding papers + Military portrait of Leonid Khrushchev

Leonid Khrushchev, son of Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, served during the Second World War as a fighter pilot for the Soviet Air Force. On March…

Before Becoming a Big-Name Actor, Richard Todd was a Paratrooper Who Fought at Pegasus Bridge

Allied troops standing around Pegasus Bridge + Portrait of Richard Todd

A number of famed Vintage Hollywood actors served during the Second World War. While many enlisted prior to launching their careers, other opted to pause…

Operation Copperhead Was Almost Compromised By A Drunk Bernard Montgomery Lookalike

Clifton James dressed as Bernard Montgomery + Portrait of Bernard Montgomery

Operation Overlord was, at that point, the largest amphibious invasion in the history of warfare. It was no easy feat to keep something of this…

William Hopper: The Actor Who Played Paul Drake on ‘Perry Mason’ Served in the Navy in WWII

US servicemen watching an explosion in the distance + Portrait of William Hopper

American actor William Hopper is best remembered for his decade-long portrayal of Paul Drake in the original television run of the popular courtroom drama, Perry…

NPS Researchers Explore Underwater Remnants of the Battles of Guam

Diver swimming near a rusty military vehicle

Just a few days after the Japanese launched their surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, the US military became embroiled in the First Battle of Guam.…

James Stewart Paused His Hollywood Career to Bomb German Strongholds In Europe

Consolidated B-24 Liberators in flight + Military portrait of James Stewart

James “Jimmy” Stewart is among the most recognizable stars from the era of Vintage Hollywood. Starring in the likes of Vertigo (1958), It’s a Wonderful…

The 50-Year Battle to Clear Charles McVay III In the Sinking of the USS Indianapolis (CA-35)

USS Indianapolis (CA-35) at sea + Military portrait of Charles McVay III

The USS Indianapolis (CA-35) was a Portland-class heavy cruiser commissioned by the US Navy in 1932. She was the flagship of Scouting Force 1 prior to the…

The USS Lexington Wreck Was Discovered Over 75 Years After the Battle of the Coral Sea

USS Lexington (CV-2) at sea

The sinking of the USS Lexington (CV-2) was one of many to occur during the Second World War, and her wreck has remained on the seafloor…

Esmond Knight: The British Actor Who Was Injured During a Battle with the German Battleship Bismarck

Still from 'Sink the Bismarck!' + Portrait of Esmond Knight

A number of British actors served during the Second World War, but few could claim they came face to face with the German battleship Bismarck…