MSN Slideshow | War History

The Laconia Incident Took More Lives Than the Sinking of the Titanic

Survivors of the Laconia Incident standing on the top decks of the U-156 and U-507

During the Second World War, an incident occurred that appeared to make the Germans the heroes and paint the Americans in a bad light. While…

Before They Were Making People Laugh, These 20 Comedians Served In the Military

Clare Fitzgerald
Don Rickles as CPO Otto Sharkey in 'C.P.O. Sharkey' + Mel Brooks holding an Emmy Award + Richard Pryor as Montgomery Brewster in 'Brewster's Millions'

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…

‘Crazy Major’ Henry Dobrzański Refused to Back Down Against the German Invasion of Poland

Members of the Detached Unit of the Polish Army on horseback

Already a well-established soldier by the time the Second World War broke out, Maj. Henryk Dobrzański became even more famous following his service for being…

The Disastrous Operation Aphrodite Killed JFK’s Brother

Three Boeing B-17 Flying Fortresses in flight + Military portrait of Joseph P. Kennedy Jr.

The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and Consolidated B-24 Liberator were two of the most extensively used heavy bombers of the Second World War. While they…

7 Facts About the USS Constitution, the US Navy’s Oldest Warship

USS Constitution sailing through Boston Harbor

Typically docked at the end of Boston’s Freedom Trail, the USS Constitution is among the most famous warships in the world. She entered service in…

John Simpson Kirkpatrick: The ‘Man with the Donkey’ in Gallipoli

John Simpson Kirkpatrick and Duffy the donkey aiding an injured soldier + Statue of John Simpson Kirkpatrick and Duffy the donkey aiding an injured soldier

Best known as the “Man with the Donkey,” John Simpson Kirkpatrick was one of many larger than life figures who landed with the ANZACs during…

General Austin Miller: The Longest-Serving Commander of the War In Afghanistan

Military portrait of General Austin Miller + American flag

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…

Looking Back At the Red Army’s Liberation of Auschwitz

Red Army soldiers speaking to child prisoners at Auschwitz

The phrase arbeit macht frei – “work sets you free” – were emblazoned on the sign at the entrance of Auschwitz for prisoners to read…

Italo Balbo: The Mastermind Behind Mussolini’s Air Force Died a Strange Death

Italo Balbo speaking to a group of men.

There were few in Italy’s governmental hierarchy who disagreed with Benito Mussolini’s decision to side with Germany during the Second World War. One of those…

USS Independence (CVL-22): The First Dedicated Night Carrier of the US Navy

USS Independence (CVL-22) at sea

A number of vessels took part in the fighting that occurred in the Pacific Theater during the Second World War. Among the most unique was…

Schwarzlose MG: The Unusual Austro-Hungarian Machine Gun of World War I

Two soldiers manning a Schwarzlose MG

A number of machine guns saw action during the First World War. While the Vickers, Maxim and Lewis guns are likely the ones that come…

Two KGB and CIA Operatives Were Tasked With Corrupting Each Other – They Forged a Friendship Instead

Rosemary Giles
Soviet and American flags hanging over two empty chairs

The KGB and the CIA were notorious enemies during the Cold War. As national security agencies for two warring nations, their operatives were tasked with…