Valor | War History

Creating the Magnificent US Marine Corps War Memorial

Felix de Weldon standing beneath a plaster cast of 'Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima'

The US Marine Corps War Memorial – also known as the Iwo Jima Memorial – stands as an iconic symbol of valor and sacrifice. Located…

The Japanese Defeat During the Guadalcanal Campaign Was a Turning Point for the Allies

Wreck of a Japanese ship along the coast of Guadalcanal

Above is a photo of an unidentified Japanese ship that the Americans sank during the Guadalcanal Campaign. The vessel was sunk sometime during the fighting…

SOE Operative Nancy Wake’s Only Regret Was Not Taking Out More Enemy Soldiers During World War II

Portrait of Nancy Wake + Nancy Wake smiling

Amid the chaos and perilous landscapes of German-occupied France, one remarkable woman emerged as a symbol of unwavering courage and indomitable spirit during World War…

Desmond Doss Was the Only Conscientious Objector to Receive the Medal of Honor in World War II

Harry S. Truman placing the Medal of Honor around Desmond Doss' neck

US Army Medic Cpl. Desmond Doss was an extraordinary figure in the annals of military history who defied conventional norms and exemplified unwavering courage in…

Mont-Saint-Michel Was ‘Liberated’ By One Soldier and Two Reporters In World War II

View of Mont-Saint-Michel

During the Second World War, Mont-Saint-Michel was occupied by German soldiers, making it a highly-visited destination for the enemy. For four years, the French were…

Convair XFY Pogo: The Tail Sitter That Looked Like a Mallard Duck

Convair XFY Pogo in flight

The Convair XFY Pogo was an American experimental vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) tail-sitter aircraft. Following World War II, the Americans began developing VTOL combat…

USS California (BB-44): The Battleship That Survived Pearl Harbor and a Kamikaze Strike

USS California (BB-44) at sea

The USS California (BB-64) was the second of two Tennessee-class battleships. The vessel saw service throughout World War II, including being targeted by the Japanese…

The Freelance Photographer With the Amazing Mustache Who Survived Enemy Fire In Vietnam

Kurt Rolfes holding his damaged camera

Photographers played an incredibly crucial role in documenting the Vietnam War, capturing the harsh realities and human side of the conflict. These brave individuals, such…

Before He Was Herman Munster, Fred Gwynne Served With the US Navy During World War II

Fred Gwynne as Herman Munster in 'The Munsters'

Fred Gwynne, the beloved actor known for his iconic roles in The Munsters (1964-66) and Pet Sematary (1989), led a remarkable life beyond the silver…

There Was Almost a ‘Forrest Gump’ Sequel – A National Tragedy Prevented Its Development

Samantha Franco
Still from 'Forrest Gump'

Arguably one of the greatest films ever made, Forrest Gump (1994) charmed audiences around the world, smashing the box office and bringing several quotes into daily…

Dean Martin’s Son Lost His Life During A Routine Military Training Mission

Rosemary Giles
Dean Paul Martin standing outside the cockpit of a McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II

In the entertainment industry, Dean Martin‘s name resonates with timeless charm, smooth vocals and unforgettable charisma. However, tragedy struck when his son, Dean Paul Martin,…

Windmill Girls Boosted the Spirits of Servicemen and the British Public During World War II

Royal Navy sailor feeding cake to a Windmill Girl while four other women watch.

Amidst the chaos and uncertainty of the Second World War, a group of women emerged as beacons of light and resilience. Known as the “Windmill…