Samantha Franco

Samantha Franco is a Freelance Content Writer who received her Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the University of Guelph, and her Master of Arts degree in history from the University of Western Ontario. Her research focused on Victorian, medical, and epidemiological history with a focus on childhood diseases. Stepping away from her academic career, Samantha previously worked as a Heritage Researcher and now writes content for multiple sites covering an array of historical topics.

In her spare time, Samantha enjoys reading, knitting, and hanging out with her dog, Chowder!

linkedin.com/in/samantha-v-franco

Articles by Samantha Franco:

Before He Was Britain’s Most Popular Leading Man, Kenneth More Served with the Royal Navy

HMS Aurora (12) at sea + Kenneth More as Second Officer Charles Herbert Lightoller in 'A Night to Remember'

Kenneth More was one of Britain’s greatest actors, both on-stage and on the silver screen. He became a household name, but only after he served…

Valentin: The German U-boat Pen That Survived Multiple 22,000-Pound ‘Grand Slam’ Bombs

Two images showing the destruction caused by the Grand Slam bombs that were dropped on the Valentin U-boat pen

During the Second World War, the British dominated the waterways. Their naval fleet proved to be one of the biggest threats to Germany and, as…

Korean War Helicopters That Were Vital to Those Serving In the Conflict

Troops walking toward a Sikorsky H-19 Chickasaw + Sikorsky H-5 Dragonfly taking off

The Korean War took place between 1950-53 and saw the UN coalition forces operate a plethora of military vehicles, including helicopters. The United States, in…

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…

Project Iceworm: The US Military’s Plan to House and Deploy ICBMs from Beneath Greenland’s Ice

US Army Polar Research and Development Center personnel installing ceiling support beams + Missile being launched

Project Iceworm was a top-secret operation planned by the US Army during the Cold War. It intended to build a massive military base, housing several…

Black Sea Bumping Incident: When the Soviet Navy ‘Bumped’ the US Out of Its Territorial Waters

USS Yorktown (CG-48) being bumped by Bezzavetnyy

In the 1980s, the Soviet Union took several measures to get American warships out of its territorial waters – this including playing an old-fashioned game…

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…

Fouled Anchor: What Does the Navy Chief Anchor Mean?

CPO. Kalaw standing with his arms crossed + Fouled anchor emblem

The fouled anchor is a symbol most associated with the US Navy. The term “foul” generally refers to something that’s wrong or difficult. However, its…

How Many Times Did the World Nearly End During the Cold War? Answer: A Lot

Mushroom cloud rising into the sky + John F. Kennedy and Nikita Khrushchev sitting together

There were numerous times throughout the Cold War where the world nearly ended. The Cuban Missile Crisis, for example, saw the United States and Soviet…

Army Ranger vs Green Beret: What’s the Difference Between Green Beret and Ranger Special Forces?

Aldo Ray as Sgt. Muldoon in 'The Green Berets' + Josh Hartnett as Staff Sgt. Matt Eversmann in 'Black Hawk Down'

When comparing a US Army Ranger vs a Green Beret, there’s not usually an intention to suggest one is better than the other. Both are…

The Degtyaryov Light Machine Gun’s Pan Magazine Made It Immediately Recognizable On the Battlefield

Degtyaryov DP-27 light machine gun on display

The Degtyaryov became the standard Soviet infantry light machine gun shortly after being introduced to the Red Army during the interwar period. While it had…

Retired Navy Adm. Jamie Foggo Rates Warship Battle Scenes from Popular Movies

Still from 'Battleship' + Still from 'Dunkirk'

American warships are often portrayed in film, due to their epic size and effectiveness in battle. In an interview with Insider, retired US Navy Adm.…