History | War History

Five Fascinating Military Inventions – From The Big Dog Robot To The Humble Email Address

Military technology has a history of experimenting with novel approaches to the development of new methods of attack and defense. Some experiments are driven by…

Takayama Ukon: A Great Christian Samurai

Andrew Knighton

Christianity was not common in feudal Japan. As a foreign religion, it was embraced by a small minority of people including some samurai who were…

Leonardo’s War Machines – The Italian Genius May Have Deliberately Sabotaged His Own Designs

Born in the Tuscan town of Vinci on the 15th of April, 1452, Leonardo  Da Vinci is perhaps best known as the painter of the…

“The Unbreakable Tiger” – Korean War POW Was A Guardian Angel For Father Emil Kapaun

War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Staff Sgt. Ken Scar. U.S. Army 1st Lt. William Funchess watched from the other bank as…

This Egyptian Unit Escaped Destruction In 1967 By Invading Israel

War History Online presents this Guest Article from Christopher Weeks When faced with an attack by a superior force, sometimes the key to survival lies…

The Youngest & Oldest Living Medal of Honor Recipients Both Jumped on Live Grenades

Jeff Edwards

Call it a unique lineage only those who have worn a uniform could understand, but military heroism is part of the esprit de corps which…

The Nazi Invasion of the Balkans & Yugoslavia – A Costly Victory

In early 1941, Adolf Hitler could look at a map of Eastern Europe and think that his plans were progressing nicely. The invasion of the…

In Feudal Japan, This Ambitious Warlord Rose To Blood-Soaked Victory, Then Was Betrayed

Andrew Knighton

During the 16th century, Japan was politically fragmented. Warlords fought for control of local provinces. The weak government of the shogun could not maintain the…

The Equipment of the Samurai – Fearsome Warriors Armed to the Teeth

Samurai were the elite warriors of feudal Japan; as dominant as knights were in Europe. Their equipment was as much a display of their status…

The Real Fury: Patton’s Disastrous 1945 Raid to Rescue His Son-in-Law

In February 1943, the U.S. Army had its first major engagement with the forces of Nazi Germany, ending with their disastrous defeat at the Kasserine…

The Mongol Invasions of Japan and the Origin of the Word “Kamikaze”

In the 1270s and 1280s, the menacing forces of the Mongols attacked Japan. Through courage, determination, and good luck, the Japanese drove them off. It…

Saint Nazaire Raid: Massive Intel, Courage, Sacrifice and Big Explosions

A little after 1:20 AM on March 28th, 1942, searchlights on both sides of the Loire Estuary flooded the waterway to reveal the convoy. Twelve…