Modern | War History

Adrian Cronauer: The Charismatic Inspiration for ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’

Robin Williams as Adrian Cronauer in 'Good Morning, Vietnam' + Adrian Cronauer wearing a suit, with his military medals on his chest

Of all the films made about the Vietnam War, none are quite like 1987’s Good Morning, Vietnam. It follows Adrian Cronauer, a radio disc jockey…

The MI5 Used Falcons to Catch German Carrier Pigeons

Ursula, a peregrine falcon, swooping down to attack a carrier pigeon + Two soldiers releasing a carrier pigeon into the air

The use of pigeons on the battlefield is often associated with the First World War. Homing pigeons, in particular, were used the most, with the…

Al Schmid: The US Marine Who Continued to Man His Machine Gun After Taking a Grenade to the Face

US Marines manning a 75 mm Pack Howitzer M1 + Al Schmid being presented with the Navy Cross

Al Schmid, an apprentice steel burner, enlisted in the US Marine Corps after hearing about the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Once on the battlefield,…

Frogmen: Before Navy SEALs, Underwater Demolition Teams Were Making a Splash on the Battlefield

Three Frogmen walking in front of a stopped truck

The Navy SEALs are among the most highly-regarded Special Operations forces in the United States, only made more illusive by stories of their various units,…

The US Army Once Tried to Turn a Nerf Football Into a Grenade

US Marine preparing to throw a grenade

The Cold War was a time of near constant military innovation. The frequent advancement of weapons of war required a fast response, which sometimes meant…

The British Were Harvesting Soldiers’ Organs During WWI

Soldiers kneeling over an injured comrade on the battlefield

A book by Canadian historian Tim Cook has brought to light some disturbing evidence regarding a British program that saw the harvesting of slain Canadian…

Road Workers Were Amazed By An Unexpected World War II-Era Discovery In Chartres

Crew using a mechanical digger to lift a mud-covered M5 Stuart from the ground

During the six years that made up the Second World War, the Allied and Axis nations deployed an astonishing number of troops and armaments across…

Teresio Martinoli: The Italian Ace Who Flew for Both Sides During WWII

Two Fiat CR.42 Falcos in flight + Teresio Martinoli standing near an aircraft in his pilot's jacket

For those who won the war, their flying aces go down in history for their brave actions and heroic deeds. Even those who didn’t win…

John Wheeler and the Missing Papers That Nearly Sparked a Cold War Catastrophe

Todd Neikirk
Mushroom cloud rising into the sky + Portrait of John Wheeler

Even the most brilliant people on the planet can sometimes be a bit absent-minded. John Wheeler certainly fit this category. The theoretical physicist is credited…

Wes Studi Served in Vietnam Before Becoming an Actor and Veterans Advocate

Wes Studi as Magua in 'The Last of the Mohicans'

Wes Studi is best known for his roles in such award winning films as Dances with Wolves (1990), The Last of the Mohicans (1992), Geronimo: An…

Van Barfoot: MoH Recipient Who Singlehandedly Captured 17 German Soldiers and Disabled a Tiger Tank

Todd Neikirk
US soldiers walking by a smoking Tiger tank + Military portrait of Van Barfoot + Medal of Honor

The Second World War featured countless examples of heroism. Still, the efforts of Van Barfoot stand out to this day. When faced with multiple German…

USS Grayback (SS-208) Found After 75 Years; What Was Onboard Was Unexpected

USS Grayback (SS-208) at sea

Seventy-five years after she first disappeared off the coast of Okinawa, the wreck of the USS Grayback (SS-208) was discovered at the bottom of the…