Why Does NORAD Track Santa Claus?
Imagine a child dialing a phone number, hoping to reach the one and only Santa Claus, only to connect with the North American Aerospace Defense…
‘Mad Mike’ Hoare: The Irish Major Turned World-Famous Mercenary
Maj. Thomas Michael “Mad Mike” Hoare and four units of mercenaries stormed Stanleyville, the rebel capital in the Republic of the Congo, on November 24,…
Facts About the Purple Heart, the Oldest Military Decoration Still Presented to US Service Members
The Purple Heart is awarded to those wounded or killed in service to the United States. Created by George Washington in 1782, it is the…
‘Area 52’ Veterans Call Out US Government for Refusing to Acknowledge Health Issues Caused By Radiation Exposure
The United States is home to one of the most controversial military bases in the world – and it’s probable you’ve never heard of it.…
INTERVIEW: William Sturkey Discusses His New Book About MoH Recipient and War Hero Roy Benavidez
Medal of Honor recipient Master Sgt. Roy Benavidez was the definition of a true American hero. Surviving “six hours of hell” in the jungle along…
History’s Best Admirals Ruled Over the High Seas and Forever Changed Naval Warfare
Throughout maritime history, admirals have served as testaments to strategic brilliance and bold leadership. From ancient times to the modern era, they have shaped the…
INTERVIEW: Undersea Salvage Expert Curt Newport Talks About His Involvement in the Searches for Challenger and USS Indianapolis
Curt Newport is an underwater salvage expert with decades of experiencing. Along with exploring the likes of the RMS Titanic, he was also involved in…
Why is the American Flag Folded Into a Triangle During Ceremonial Occasions?
If you’ve ever attended a military funeral or a ceremony on Memorial Day, odds are you’ve watched guards come together to fold the American flag.…
INTERVIEW: Dr. Marshall Poe on the Mỹ Lai Massacre and Its Impact on Vietnam-Era America
The Mỹ Lai Massacre has been dubbed “the most shocking episode of the Vietnam War,” with hundreds of civilians slaughtered by American troops. It’s an…
The Battle of Athens Saw Armed War Veterans Take On Corruption in Their Local Government
In the post-war summer of 1946, the small town of Athens, Tennessee became the epicenter of an event that went down in history as the…
Russo-Ukrainian War: Where Do We Stand As the Conflict Enters Its Third Year?
On February 24, 2024, the Russo-Ukrainian War entered its third year. In what became the largest assault on a European nation since the Second World…
Jeff Bridges Became One of the Youngest Academy Award Nominees While Serving In the US Coast Guard Reserve
Jeff Bridges is truly one of the most talented individuals of his generation. Renowned for his acting, and having dabbled in music, writing and photography,…
Our Most Anticipated War Movies of 2024
The beginning of the year has us excited about what the next 365 days will bring, particularly when it comes to entertainment. We always look…
The Costume Detail That Adds Authenticity to the German Soldiers in ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) is among the most popular films within the Indiana Jones franchise. Set just prior to the outbreak of…
We Asked AI To Reimagine Our Favorite War Movies – This Is What Happened
While it’s difficult to imagine our favorite military and war films in a way other than how they were initially released, the casting process is…
The Battle of Khasham Was the ‘First Deadly Clash’ Between Americans and Russians Since the Cold War
In the early years of Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR), the US coalition forces engaged in conflict with Syrian pro-government militia and Russian private military contractors…
The Story Behind Radar’s Departure From ‘M*A*S*H’
M*A*S*H (1972-83) is one of the most beloved shows to ever air on television – and how could you not like it? The characters are…
A US Marine Corps Veteran Once Killed His Stepfather… With An Atomic Wedgie
On December 21, 2013, a US Marine Corps veteran killed his stepfather in a rather hard-to-believe way. When an argument between the pair turned physical,…
Glen Doherty: The CIA Contractor and Retired US Navy SEAL Who Bravely Faced Militants In Benghazi
On the evening of September 11, 2012, militants launched an attack on the State Department’s mission facility in Benghazi, Libya. The ensuing firefight, which also…
The Movies That Made Kirk Douglas One of the War Genre’s Best
Kirk Douglas was a Hollywood legend, with many of his movies about war and military-related topics. He began his career in 1946 after serving with…
Feathers vs. Firearms: When Australia Took On Flightless Birds In the Emu War
In the annals of history, there are events that stand out not for their grandeur or significance, but for their sheer absurdity. One such event…
Michael Caine Became a Staple of the War Movie Genre With These Releases
Sir Michael Caine is a legend of the silver screen, with many of his appearances being in war- and military-related movies. He began acting in…
US Army Armor Officer and Commander Nicholas Moran Rates Popular Tank Battle Scenes
It might be surprising to some, but tanks have become pretty commonplace in Hollywood productions. We’re not just talking about war and military films, but…
Ex-Submarine Commander David Marquet Rates Naval Scenes from Popular Movies
Some of the most exciting war films ever made revolve around submarines. In an interview with Insider, retired American Submarine Commander Capt. David Marquet rates…
Tom Hanks Fired An Actor from ‘Band of Brothers’ Because He Had ‘Dead Eyes’
Band of Brothers (2001) is one of the best miniseries ever released. Depicting the World War II-era service of Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment,…
Behind-the-Scenes Facts About ‘Crimson Tide’
Crimson Tide (1995) is an American submarine thriller directed by Tony Scott and starring actors Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman. The film masterfully combines suspenseful…
Gary Sinise Says Playing Lt. Dan in ‘Forrest Gump’ Changed His Life
Gary Sinise is an actor known for a variety of television and film roles, the most popular of which is 1994’s Forrest Gump. For the…
The Capes Worn By Characters In ‘Game of Thrones’ Are Actually IKEA Rugs
Bringing the world of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire to television, Game of Thrones (2011-19) caused a stir like no other.…
Behind-the-Scenes Facts About ‘Gladiator’
Gladiator (2000) is an acclaimed ancient Roman historical epic, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe. Set during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius,…
Colorblind Firefighter Brought to Tears After Seeing American Flag’s Colors for the First Time
Old Glory is an enduring symbol of the American spirit. For many, it’s a source of pride and the reason they do some of the…
Dale Dye Ensured These Military Movies Were As Authentic As Possible
Dale Dye is a US Marine Corps veteran who valiantly served his country during the Vietnam War. Upon his return to the United States, he…
‘The Hurt Locker’ Was a Box Office Flop, Despite Being a Critically-Acclaimed Film
Kathryn Bigelow’s The Hurt Locker (2008) saw Jeremy Renner portray a character serving in the Iraq War. While the film did poorly upon its debut in…
Nakano Takeko: The Fearsome Female Warrior Who Was One of the Last Samurai
In the annals of Japanese history, few figures stand as tall as Nakano Takeko, a remarkable woman who defied societal norms to become a fearsome…
Steve McQueen’s Cancer Likely Resulted from His Service In the US Marine Corps
Steve McQueen was one of the most popular actors of the 20th century. Known for portraying the tough guy in such films as The Great…
Michael Conner Humphreys: The Actor Who Played Young Forrest Gump Served In Iraq
Forrest Gump (1994) was one of the most popular Vietnam-era movies ever released. Featuring an all-star cast that included Tom Hanks, Gary Sinise, Sally Field…
Check Out These Movies If You Liked ‘Oppenheimer’
After months of hype, Oppenheimer (2023) was released in theaters on July 21, 2023. The World War II-era film covered the development of the atomic…
Unraveling the Turbulence and Conflict of the Aden Emergency
The Aden Emergency, which unfolded between 1963-67, was a period of intense turmoil and conflict in British-controlled Aden (modern-day Yemen). The uprising, led by Arab…
Raymond Roberts Braved the Aden Emergency to Serve as a Chaplain with the British Royal Navy
Of the many brave chaplains to serve with military personnel throughout history, Reverend Raymond Roberts stands out. Born in Wales on April 14, 1931, he…
Frogmen Were Hired to Work On the Set of ‘Raise the Titanic’
Raise the Titanic (1980) is an epic adventure film that captivated audiences with its audacious premise and grand scale – even if it wasn’t very…
Fictional Military Leaders We’d Follow Into Battle
When it comes to military movies, directors can get a little carried away with the heroism of leaders. This list of fictional military leaders showcases…
Comedian Rob Riggle Continued to Serve In the US Marine Corps, Even After Making It In Hollywood
Rob Riggle isn’t just a familiar face in the entertainment industry – he’s also a decorated military veteran. Prior to gracing our screens with his…
Facts About ‘Top Gun’ and Its Award-Winning Sequel
Top Gun is a 1986 American action flick directed by Tony Scott. It follows Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) and his co-pilot Nick “Goose” Bradshaw…
Royal Engineer Divers Are Some of the World’s Finest Frogmen
When it comes to military operations in challenging underwater environments, the Royal Engineer Divers are a distinguished and highly-skilled force. This elite group combines engineering…
There Was Almost a ‘Forrest Gump’ Sequel – A National Tragedy Prevented Its Development
Arguably one of the greatest films ever made, Forrest Gump (1994) charmed audiences around the world, smashing the box office and bringing several quotes into daily…
Dean Martin’s Son Lost His Life During A Routine Military Training Mission
In the entertainment industry, Dean Martin‘s name resonates with timeless charm, smooth vocals and unforgettable charisma. However, tragedy struck when his son, Dean Paul Martin,…
Cairo: The US Navy SEAL Involved In Taking Out Osama bin Laden Was Also A Dog
The death of Osama bin Laden is one of the biggest moments in history, and one name stands out among the heroes who were involved…
What Does John Wick’s Back Tattoo Say? The Meaning & His Marine Corps Connection
The John Wick franchise has been popular ever since the first film was released in 2014. Something that’s noticeably missing is any kind of explanation…
‘Star Wars’ Almost Started a Real-Life War… Over a Sandcrawler Model
In 1976, when George Lucas shot Star Wars, filming almost started a real-life war between Tunisia and Libya. Tatooine, Luke Skywalker‘s home planet, was filmed…
The Best Traits of Respected Leadership
There’s a pulsating heart that beats within the chest of any great organization or team: a leader. Not just any leader, but one who’s revered,…
Operation Red Wings and Its Depiction in ‘Lone Survivor’
The American biographical war film, Lone Survivor, was released in 2013. Starring Mark Wahlberg and directed by Peter Berg, it depicts the events of Operation…
The True Story Behind the Clint Eastwood and Bradley Cooper Film, ‘American Sniper’
American Sniper (2014) is a biographical war film, directed and produced by Clint Eastwood. It focuses on the life of Chris Kyle, who claimed 255…
The TV Adaptation of ‘Das Boot’ Continues Where the Original Film Left Off
If you loved the 1981 film, Das Boot, then you’re going to love that there’s a recent TV series. Produced by Bavaria Fiction for Sky…
Portraying Frank Perconte In ‘Band of Brothers’ Forever Changed James Madio’s Life
Band of Brothers (2001), the acclaimed television miniseries that chronicles the harrowing experiences of Easy Company during World War II, had a dramatic impact not…
The Tragically Short Career of NASA Test Pilot Joe Walker
Joe Walker is a name that resonates with the pioneering spirit of aerospace exploration. He was a celebrated NASA test pilot whose contributions to spaceflight…
INTERVIEW: Director Steven Luke Talks New WWII Film, ‘Come Out Fighting’
Filmmaker Steven Luke is no stranger to bringing World War II-era events to the big screen; over the course of his career, he’s teamed up…
‘The Battle of Algiers’ Is So Realistic That Guerrilla Groups Took Training Notes From It
The Battle of Algiers (1966) is a powerful and provocative film directed by Gillo Pontecorvo. It covers the Algerian struggle for independence from French colonial…
The ‘M*A*S*H’ Death That Stunned America
In an episode titled “Abyssinia, Henry,” the producers of M*A*S*H (1972-83) decided that McLean Stevenson’s character, Henry Blake, was to depart from the show. It…
Yousuf Sediq: The Afghan Interpreter and Special Forces Operator Who Fought Against the Taliban
Over the course of the War in Afghanistan, between 50,000 and 76,000 Afghan interpreters worked alongside the American and coalition forces. They all risked their…
The Many Incredible War Movies of Donald Sutherland
Needless to say, Donald Sutherland had an incredible Hollywood career. He entered the industry in the 1960s with small roles in a few British television…
Alan Alda and Jamie Farr – The ‘M*A*S*H’ Stars Who Earned Their Stripes In Korea
M*A*S*H (1972-83) centers around the Mobile Army Surgical Hospitals during the Korean War. Although the television show is based on fictional characters, a lot of…
The Best War-Themed Historical Fiction Films Ever Released
History is full of incredible war stories that Hollywood has beautifully reimagined for the silver screen. However, directors will sometimes tweak facts here and there,…
Bruce Willis’ Film ‘Tears of the Sun’ Gave Post-9/11 America An Important Moral Message
US Navy SEALs are infamous special operators. It’s fitting, then, that they’ve been the subject of numerous films, among them 2003’s Tears of the Sun.…
Following A Prior Insult, John Wayne Punished Darryl Zanuck While Filming ‘The Longest Day’
Filmed in the 1960s, The Longest Day is still considered one of the best war movies of all time. However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing…
Did the US Government’s Nuclear Testing Lead the Cast and Crew of ‘The Conqueror’ to Develop Cancer?
John Wayne was one the most famous stars of Vintage Hollywood, but even he chose roles in movies that wound up being panned by critics.…
US Army Mascot: Mules, Machine Guns and Mischief
Nothing screams team pride quite like a mascot. Even outside of athletics, many organizations usually adopt one as a symbol of good luck. The US…
Fouled Anchor: What Does the Navy Chief Anchor Mean?
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…
The Most Historically Accurate War Movies Ever Released
There’s nothing quite like a good war film, with over-the-top explosions and lifelike special effects. While a popular genre, there are some releases that stand…
Army Ranger vs Green Beret: What’s the Difference Between Green Beret and Ranger Special Forces?
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…
Retired Navy Adm. Jamie Foggo Rates Warship Battle Scenes from Popular Movies
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.…
Iraq War Timeline: Looking Back At the Conflict 20 Years Later
For many, it might feel like the Iraq War happened just yesterday, with the nightly news reporting updates on American troops overthrowing Saddam Hussein’s government…
Battlefield Cross: A Powerful Symbol to Memorialize the Sacrifices of Fallen Soldiers
The Battlefield Cross has gone from having a functional purpose to providing symbolic meaning for those mourning the loss of their comrades. Its imagery is…
Cast of ‘Saving Private Ryan’ – Where Are They Now?
Saving Private Ryan (1998) is arguably one of the best war films ever released. The film follows a group of US Army soldiers as they…
Matthew Modine Turned Down ‘Top Gun’ for ‘Full Metal Jacket’
Top Gun (1986) was among the most popular films of the 1980s, and it’s just one of the few box office hits Matthew Modine didn’t…
Jason Everman: The Nirvana and Soundgarden Member Who Became a US Army Ranger and Green Beret
Jason Everman, with his long curly hair and piercings, looked the epitome of a rockstar – because he was. As a young man, he played…
Frank Fiegel: The Real-Life Popeye Wasn’t a Sailor Man (or in the Military)
When E.C. Segar began his career as a cartoonist, he took inspiration from those around him. His most popular character, Popeye the Sailor Man, was…
‘Full Metal Jacket’ Facts Every Movie Fan Should Know
A number of Vietnam-era films were released in the decade or so after the conflict’s conclusion, and among the most popular was Full Metal Jacket…
Stanley Kubrick Was the Mastermind Behind These War Movie Classics
Stanley Kubrick was a talented, yet controversial, Hollywood figure. Best known for directing such classics as The Shining (1980), A Clockwork Orange (1971) and 2001:…
Val Kilmer Accidentally Landed Matthew Modine the Starring Role in ‘Full Metal Jacket’
Full Metal Jacket (1987) was one of director Stanley Kubrick’s masterpieces. It follows a young Marine during the Vietnam War who experiences the struggles of…
Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine – Where Do We Stand One Year Later?
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022 – exactly one year ago. Western countries had anticipated the military action for months as Russia began mobilizing…
Samurai Sword Master Kaito Suiju Rates Japanese Sword Movie Scenes
Movies about samurai who’ve mastered the elements of ancient Japanese sword fighting have captivated audiences since the early days of cinema; the adventure, honor, sacrifice…
Is ‘The Guns of Navarone’ One of the Most Underrated War Films of All Time?
A slew of World War II films have been released in the decades since the conflict, so it’s understandable that some never wound up receiving…
First Battle of Fallujah: America’s Hard-Learned Lesson On Urban Warfare
Located along the Euphrates is Fallujah, Iraq, a densely-populated industrial city with ties to the ancient Silk Road. In 2004, its over 250,000 residents became…
Andrew Bundermann’s Expert Leadership Saved the Lives of Many Stationed at COP Keating
Andrew Bundermann had to tap into everything he knew about battle when the Taliban led a 400-man attack against his position at COP Keating in…
The US Air Force Lost a Mark 15 Nuclear Bomb Off the Coast of Tybee Island
Somewhere in the waters off Tybee Island, near the population hub of Savannah, Georgia, lies a Mark 15 nuclear bomb that was dropped by US…
The US Army Attempted to Cover Up the True Nature of Pat Tillman’s Death In Afghanistan
Pat Tillman was a football player destined to reach the top of the NFL. He was a talented athlete, but opted to switch careers after…
The True Story Behind ’13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi’
The 2012 Benghazi attack occurred on the anniversary of September 11th. While the nation was commemorating one of its darkest days, militants launched an assault…
Chemical Research and Spy Satellites: Secret Military Bases You’ve Never Heard Of
Villains lairs are a staple in the James Bond universe. Whether located deep within a mountain, on a secluded island or inside an oddly-shaped building, they…
Secret Service Snipers and Their History of Protecting the US President
First established by US President Abraham Lincoln in 1865, the Secret Service has protected American political leaders and their families for over 150 years. Within…
Robert Duvall Served in the US Army Before Becoming An Oscar-Winning Actor
Academy Award-winning actor Robert Duvall has starred in everything from Western movies to The Godfather franchise. He was even the voice behind Apocalypse Now‘s (1979)…
Mike Day: The US Navy SEAL Who Survived 27 Bullet Wounds Against All Odds
Detailing his service overseas in the book, Perfectly Wounded: A Memoir About What Happened After a Miracle, US Navy SEAL Senior Chief Petty Officer Mike…
The Axe Murders of Two US Army Officers Almost Sparked a Second Korean War
On August 18, 1976, two officers with the US Army were killed while conducting work within the Joint Security Area (JSA) of the Korean Demilitarized…
Ronald J Shurer: The US Army Medic Who Braved Enemy Fire to Rescue His Fellow Green Berets
Many brave men and women risked their lives for their country during the War In Afghanistan. Staff Sgt. Ronald J Shurer II was one of…
Edgar Allan Poe: From West Point Cadet to One of America’s Most Prolific Poets
Edgar Allan Poe is one of the most prolific American poets of all time. His dark, macabre stories and gothic poetry have defined his legacy,…
Famous Navy SEALs: Who Are the Most Famous Navy Seals in History?
US Navy SEALs are among the finest Special Operations forces in the United States. Their training is extensive and gruelling, to ensure they’re some of…
‘Saving Private Ryan’ Facts Every Movie Fan Should Know
The 1998 epic film Saving Private Ryan is one of the greatest, most accurate film representations of the Second World War. Directed by Steven Spielberg,…
‘The Longest Day’ Is Among the Most Accurate D-Day Films Ever Released
A number of movies centered around the D-Day landings have been released over the decades, but few have presented the story as accurately as The…
New Jersey Guardsmen Engaged Somali Militants In the Biggest Battle Since That of ‘Black Hawk Down’
In September 2019, members of the New Jersey Army National Guard’s 102nd Cavalry Regiment took on a group of al-Shabaab militants who launched an attack…
Before They Were Making People Laugh, These 20 Comedians Served In the Military
It’s not uncommon for celebrities to have held jobs and careers prior to entering the spotlight. While some may have worked in a customer service…
General Austin Miller: The Longest-Serving Commander of the War In Afghanistan
General Austin Miller became the longest-serving commander of the War In Afghanistan – America’s longest war – in 2021, just months before his retirement from…
Punisher Skull Meaning: What Does the Punisher Logo Mean in the US Military?
Each branch the US military has their own logo – various iterations of parachutes for airborne regiments, seahorses on US Navy emblems. Sometimes, symbols are…