Valor | War History

Royal Air Force Airmen Underwent Intense Training Before Taking to the Skies for Missions

Two Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots training on how to shoot down enemy pilots in the air

The Royal Air Force (RAF) played a critical role in the Allied victory during World War II. Behind the courageous pilots who took to the…

The American Forces Endured Arduous Fighting At Con Thien During the Vietnam War

American troops riding in an armored personnel carrier

Amid the jungle landscapes and dense terrain of the Vietnam War, military strategists on both sides sought to establish outposts. One critical location was Con…

Could Hans Tragarsky Be The Unknown German Soldier In This Famous Image?

Hans Tragarsky standing in uniform, with an ammunition belt around his shoulders

The above photo is undoubtedly one of the best-known German images of World War II, showing a soldier carrying ammunition around his shoulders. It’s understandable…

Gary Sinise Says Playing Lt. Dan in ‘Forrest Gump’ Changed His Life

Clare Fitzgerald
Gary Sinise as Lt. Dan Taylor in 'Forrest Gump'

Gary Sinise is an actor known for a variety of television and film roles, the most popular of which is 1994’s Forrest Gump. For the…

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…