MSN Slideshow | War History

MG-42: The German Machine Gun That Mowed Down Enemies On the Battlefield

Todd Neikirk
German soldier lying beside an MG-42

The Second World War was fought with a number of new technologies and weapons. In a conflict this intense, each nation was desperate to get…

Marine Movies That Best Represent What It’s Like to Be a Leatherneck

Still from 'Full Metal Jacket' + Still from 'Sands of Iwo Jima'

Each branch of the US military carries its own unique history, skills and protocols. However, out of all of them, the Marine Corps is widely…

Lionel Crabb: The Mystery Behind the Missing British Frogman

Rosemary Giles
Soviet cruiser Ordzhonikidze at sea + Lionel Crabb wearing a suit

During the Second World War, there were a variety of special units created to deal with threats from enemies both at home and overseas. One…

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…

10 Mistakes Made By the Filmmakers Behind ‘Pearl Harbor’

Promotional image for 'Pearl Harbor,' featuring Ben Affleck, Kate Beckinsale and Josh Hartnett

Director Michael Bay made his mark with films like The Rock (1996), Bad Boys (1995) and Armageddon (1998). He was eventually given the chance to…

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,…

Cavalry Scouts Have Been An Integral Part of the US Army for Centuries

Todd Neikirk
Cavalry Scouts jumping out of a helicopter hovering low over the ground

The US Army was officially founded on June 14, 1775. Just a few months later, the Cavalry Scouts were created. These soldiers have played an…

Flakpanzer Gepard: A Cold War-Era Anti-Aircraft Gun That Continues to See Use

Todd Neikirk
Five German soldiers standing on top of a Flakpanzer Gepard

In May 1955, nearly a decade after the end of the Second World War, West Germany joined NATO. Reacting to the decision, the Soviet Union…

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…

Black Hornet Nano: The Minuscule Drone That Aided British Forces in Afghanistan

Hand holding up a Black Hornet Nano

Surveillance flights existed prior to the start of World War I. The first incident of aerial reconnaissance occurred in 1794, when the French used an…

Macchi C.202 Folgore: The Italian Aircraft That Impressed the Allies

Italian pilot climbing into the cockpit of a Macchi C.202 Folgore

When World War II broke out, countries wanted their troops to have the best equipment possible. However, this was made difficult by a variety of…