INSTANT ARTICLES | War History

The Exploits of Fritz Joubert: South African Turned German War Spy

Fritz Duqesne being interrogated

Fritz Joubert Duquesne was a man originally born in South Africa who spied for the Germans in two World Wars. In between the battles, he…

The Myth That Carrots Are Good for Your Eyes Came from a WWII Propaganda Campaign

WWII-era propaganda poster promoting a diet of carrots and other vegetables + Bundle of carrots

When I was younger, my parents always told me that carrots would give me better eyesight. Much to their surprise, even though I ate the…

Bob Ross, Drill Sergeant? How His Military Career Influenced His Painting

Photo of Bob Ross hanging behind easels

When you think of Bob Ross, what comes to mind? “Happy little trees,” his iconic afro and his soft, gentle voice. It’s a stark contrast…

Doris ‘Dorie’ Miller Became the First Black American to be Awarded the Navy Cross

Dorie Miller wearing his Navy Cross

Many African Americans fought for their freedom during the Civil War. The Buffalo Soldiers earned fame during the Indian and Spanish-American Wars. Plenty more African-American…

NOAA Launches Search for B-29 Graveyard in the Pacific Ocean

Joltin' Josie the Pacific Pioneer crew standing around the B-29 Superfortress + Map showing the location NOAA researchers will be searching for the downed World War II-era aircraft

Researchers with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are conducting a search of the Pacific Ocean for what’s been dubbed the largest graveyard of…

5 Special Ops That Occurred in Real Life and on FX Series ‘Archer’

Todd Neikirk
Sterling Archer in the Jungle

Archer, on the FX channel, has been delighting viewers since 2009. The Primetime Emmy and Annie award-winning show follows the antics of Sterling Archer and…

Bootlegger David Marshall Williams Helped Invent the M1 Carbine

Todd Neikirk
David Marshall Williams standing + A U.S. Marine holding an M1 Carbine

Great ideas can come from a variety of places. Take the M1 Carbine, for example. Prominently used in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, it…

Finland Loved This Unlikely Fighter Plane: The Brewster Buffalo

A US Navy version of the Brewster Buffalo takes flight

The Finnish Air Force is one of the oldest in the world, predating the British RAF and the Swedish Flygvapnet. And Finnish pilots have long…

16th Combat Aviation Brigade Recreating Army Photos for Black History Month

Clare Fitzgerald
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Cheddie Wilson Jr. recreates a photo of Warrant Officer Clyde Romero

The 16th Combat Aviation Brigade is using Black History Month to raise awareness about the accomplishments of the African-American service members who fought before them.…

Here’s How Charles Jackson French Became a Naval Hero During the Battle of Guadalcanal

Charles Jackson French, a hero of World War II

Dorie Miller is the most well-known African American hero of World War II. The United States Navy cook was on board the battleship West Virginia…

Facts About The Battle of San Juan Hill, from Major Blunders to Remarkable Bravery

Todd Neikirk
Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders stand at the top of San Juan Hill

The Battle of San Juan Hill is most notable for the participation of the Rough Riders. This skirmish made a hero out of the founder…

The M79 Grenade Launcher Had Its Benefits and Drawbacks

Pvt. Marvin Jordan crouching in the grass while holding an M79 grenade launcher + SSG Alvin J. Rouly supervising trainees firing M79 grenade launchers

The M79 grenade launcher was known by many names, including the “Thumper-Gun” and the “Bloop Tube” – Australians even called it the “Wombat Gun.” Resembling…