USS Recruit (1917): The Wooden Dreadnought In Manhattan’s Union Square
Amid the bustling streets of Manhattan’s Union Square in World War I, an extraordinary sight met passersby. The USS Recruit (1917), a wooden landship constructed…
Denholm Elliott Scored His First Acting Gigs While a Prisoner of War
Denholm Elliott was known for his versatile performances in numerous films and television shows. However, before he became a famous actor, he was a member…
Chuck Yeager: From WWII ‘Ace in a Day’ to Breaking the Sound Barrier
Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager is widely regarded as one of the greatest aviators of the 20th century. Best known for being the first pilot to…
The ‘Rats of Tobruk’ Lived Underground During the Second World War
During the Second World War, a remarkable and brave group of Australian soldiers became known as the “Rats of Tobruk” for their tenacious defense of the…
These Nurses Had a Front Row Seat to the Battle of Monte Cassino
The Battle of Monte Cassino was fought between the Allies and Germans in the historic Monte Cassino Abbey, at the entrance to the Rapido and…
A US Marine Rescued a Kitten That Survived the Fighting at Bunker Hill
Amid the chaos and devastation that defined the Korean War, a small glimmer of hope emerged in the form of an orphaned kitten rescued from…
The Controversial Phoenix Program Was Created to Obliterate the Viet Cong
The Vietnam War was arguably the most controversial conflict of the 20th century. One of the most contentious aspects of the war was the Phoenix…
The Dramatic Arrival of the German U-boat SM U-118 On a British Beach
In the aftermath of the First World War, a remarkable event unfolded in Britain, causing a stir among military and civilian circles: the unexpected arrival…
Cargo from German Ship Sunk During WWII Washing Up On American Beaches
Several tons of cargo went down with German ships that were sunk by enemy action or intentionally scuttled during the Second World War. Rarely, however,…
The Ingenious Reason Farmers Painted Stripes On Their Cows During the Blitz
While facing the Blitz during World War II, British farmers resorted to an unusual and creative tactic to protect their livestock and the public from…
Charles Robert Jenkins Defected to North Korea Because He Didn’t Want to Serve in Vietnam – He Was Held for 39 Years
Charles Robert Jenkins was an American soldier who defected to North Korea in 1965. Contrary to what it may seem, his plan was never to…
Philip Toosey Served As the Inspiration for Lt. Col. Nicholson In ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’
The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) was a sensational film so well-received that it earned several Academy Awards. What most people don’t realize is…