Valor | War History

10 Weapons the Germans Used to Fight Against the Allied Advance on D-Day

152 mm German naval gun along the Atlantic Wall

The turning point for the war in Europe, D-Day saw the Allies execute a daring invasion of German-held France via Normandy. Both sides were equipped…

The Best Vietnam War Movies to Watch If You Like ‘Platoon’

Willem Dafoe, Charlie Sheen and Tom Berenger as Sgt. Elias, Chris Taylor and Staff Sgt. Barnes in 'Platoon'

Platoon (1986) is one of the greatest movies about the Vietnam War. Starring Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe, the film was directed by…

Nearly 500,000 Purple Hearts Were Made In Preparation for the Proposed American Invasion of Japan

US Marines aiming their weapons in the field

Operation Downfall was a planned military operation by the United States and its allies toward the end of the Second World War. The aim was…

The Capes Worn By Characters In ‘Game of Thrones’ Are Actually IKEA Rugs

Kit Harington as Jon Snow in 'Game of Thrones' + IKEA logo

Bringing the world of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire to television, Game of Thrones (2011-19) caused a stir like no other.…

Behind-the-Scenes Facts About ‘Gladiator’

Ryan McLachlan
Russell Crowe as Maximus Meridius in 'Gladiator'

Gladiator (2000) is an acclaimed ancient Roman historical epic, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe. Set during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius,…

The WWII-Era Heroics of the Real-Life Monuments Men

Still from 'The Monuments Men'

During World War II, a group of unlikely heroes emerged who were dedicated to preserving the world’s cultural heritage. Known as the “Monuments Men,” this…

Colorblind Firefighter Brought to Tears After Seeing American Flag’s Colors for the First Time

Firefighters placing the American flag on the side of a fire truck

Old Glory is an enduring symbol of the American spirit. For many, it’s a source of pride and the reason they do some of the…

Ned Kelly: The Australian Outlaw Who Wore a Suit of Armor During His Last Shootout With Police

Ryan McLachlan
Heath Ledger as Ned Kelly in 'Ned Kelly'

Edward “Ned” Kelly was an infamous Australian bushranger, outlaw, gang leader and convicted police murderer. He’s best known for wearing a bulletproof suit of armor…

Judy Garland Did Her Part For The War Effort By Performing At War Bond Drives

Judy Garland performing before a group of civilian workers

World War II brought about immense challenges and uncertainties. During these dark times, Hollywood played a crucial role in lifting the spirits of the masses.…

Witold Pilecki Risked His Life for the Polish Resistance By Voluntarily Being Imprisoned At Auschwitz

Two portraits of Witold Pilecki dressed in his Auschwitz prisoner uniform

Witold Pilecki was among the many unsung heroes of the Second World War, and his incredible courage and determination left an indelible mark on history.…

US Naval Aviators Once Complained That NASA Pilots Were Bullying Them

Vought XF8U-3 Crusader III in flight + McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II in flight

In 1976, the US Navy retired its fleet of Vought F-8 Crusaders. The aircraft had an illustrious career, with the greatest kill ratio of all…

Trailer for ‘The Great Escaper’ Shows Michael Caine as D-Day Veteran Jordan Bernard

Michael Caine standing on a red carpet + Bernard Jordan waving from a car

In 2014, a World War II veteran by the name of Bernard Jordan made headlines after he left his retirement home in Britain and journeyed…