William Mclaughlin

William Mclaughlin is one of the authors writing for WAR HISTORY ONLINE

Articles by William Mclaughlin:

This Hellish Campaign Has Been Largely Forgotten: The Aleutian Islands During World War II

WWII had some very distinct theaters of war. When people think of the war in the Pacific thoughts, go to the sprawling jungles of Guadalcanal…

Some of the Most Effective Melee Weapons of WWI, The Bayonet Was Not One of Them

WWI was a terrifying fusion of old and new. An infantryman might have a slower-firing bolt action rifle, or he could find himself behind a…

Japanese Fire Balloons and the Tragic Tale of the Last WWII Casualties on US Soil

The Revolutionary and the Civil War tore North America apart, but the World Wars and most subsequent conflicts have been largely fought beyond its borders –…

Three Times In History When Discretion Was The Better Part of Valor

In war, standing and fighting in an unfavorable battle is certainly the brave and honorable choice, but it isn’t always the best choice to actually…

The Poor Man Who Almost Killed Genghis Khan With An Arrow To The Neck: He Became The Khan’s Best General

Genghis Khan was the ultimate conqueror. He founded and expanded one of the largest empires the world has ever seen. He made this empire by…

Never Too Old To Fight – 78-year old Samuel Whittemore Became A Hero In The Revolutionary War

The Revolutionary War, or the War of American Independence if you’re not American, was full of awe-inspiring stories of bravery and daring. Ardent patriots stood…

Mike Novosel (Medal of Honor) and Mike Jr: The Father-Son Vietnam Medevac Team Who Rescued Each Other

Imagine flying into heavy enemy fire to rescue your son who was shot down. Alternatively, imagine rescuing your injured father under the same circumstances. All…

The Raids on Rome: The Eternal City Saved by 600-Year-Old Wall

In the 8th century, a fractured collection of European kingdoms came under increasing pressure from the powerful united Caliphates of the rapidly developing Islamic world.…

Top Four Totally Effective Surprise Attacks in Military History

Surprise attacks and ambushes can turn the tide of war. More often than not, the side that has the larger base of industry or manpower…

Mantinea: Greeks Killing Each Other to Pave the Way for Conquest

Philip of Macedon conquered the Greeks, most of us know that, but how did he do it? These mighty Greeks faced huge numbers of Persian…

Five Amazing Facts About Hannibal Barca: Rome’s Most Dangerous Enemy

Hannibal Barca – he crossed the Alps with elephants, supposedly took a sworn oath to forever hate the Romans, and inflicted some of the worst…

The Irish Invasions of Canada: Yes, the Irish really did Invade Canada – They Won Some Battles Too

The Irish have had a rough time in the era of modern history. They suffered from the awful potato famine and faced intense hostility when…