Valor | War History

Why Was ‘Casablanca’ Banned In Germany?

Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman as Rick Blaine and Ilsa Lund in 'Casablanca'

Casablanca (1942), a cinematic masterpiece cherished by audiences worldwide, experienced a peculiar fate within the borders of Germany. Despite its popularity, this iconic film found…

‘Gilligan’s Island’ Star Russell Johnson Was a Bombardier During the Second World War

Still from 'Gilligan's Island'

Russell Johnson, the talented actor known for his role as Professor Roy Hinkley in Gilligan’s Island (1964-67), led a remarkable life both on- and off-screen.…

Walter Holden Accidentally Took Off In a Fighter Jet – Despite Not Knowing How to Fly It

English Electric Lightning T5 taking off

Not everyone who serves with the Royal Air Force (RAF) is a pilot, as it’s equally important for crewmen to maintain the aircraft. This, however,…

Before He Was Obi-Wan Kenobi, Alec Guinness Was Part of the Allied Invasion of Sicily

Alec Guinness as Obi-Wan Kenobi in 'Star Wars'

Alec Guinness is renowned for his iconic roles in such films as the Star Wars franchise and The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957). Behind…

Mk 47 Striker: The US Military’s Modern Automatic Grenade Launcher

Ryan McLachlan
Three US Army Special Forces members manning an Mk 47 Striker

The Mk 47 or Striker 40 – often called the Mk 47 Striker – is an American 40 mm advanced automatic grenade launcher. It was…

American Liberator Welcomed with Kisses from Elderly French Couple

American liberator being kissed on the cheek by an elderly couple

During the Second World War, the US involvement in the liberation of France stands as a remarkable chapter in history, serving as a turning point…

How An American GI Grieving During the Korean War Became Known Worldwide

Grieving American GI being comforted by another during the Korean War

Above is a photo of a grieving American GI whose friend was killed in action (KIA) while fighting the Korean War. He was a radio…

Clergyman Prays for Fallen GIs During the Battle of Ie-Shima

Clergyman praying while American servicemen watch from behind

The Battle of Ie-Shima from April 16-21, 1945 was a crucial engagement in the Pacific Theater during the latter stages of World War II. Fought…

The Tragically Short Career of NASA Test Pilot Joe Walker

Joe Walker standing beside the Bell X-1E 'Little Joe'

Joe Walker is a name that resonates with the pioneering spirit of aerospace exploration. He was a celebrated NASA test pilot whose contributions to spaceflight…

Ryan FR-1 Fireball: The US Navy’s First Jet-Engine Fighter Was Also the Worst Aircraft of World War II

Ryan FR-1 Fireball in flight

The Ryan FR-1 Fireball was an American fighter designed by Ryan Aeronautical for the US Navy during the Second World War. It was a mixed-power…

Germany Used Circus Elephants to Clean Up Following the Allied Bombings of Hamburg

Circus elephants Mary and Kieri moving a damaged vehicle from a ruined building in Hamburg

The image above features Mary from Burma and Kieri from Ceylon, elephants who were brought to the Hamburg Zoo to train for the circus. At…

Ray Stevenson, Star of ‘Rome’ and ‘Punisher: War Zone,’ Dead at 58

Clare Fitzgerald
Ray Stevenson posing for a photo

Ray Stevenson has passed away at the age of 58. The Northern Irish actor, known for starring in HBO/BBC’s Rome (2005-07), Punisher: War Zone (2008),…