Updated | War History

Viktor Belenko: The Soviet Pilot Whose Defection Gave the West Access to the MiG-25

Military portrait of Viktor Belenko

Viktor Belenko was a Soviet pilot who defected to the United States during the height of the Cold War. A number of things make his…

James Earl Jones: Hollywood’s Iconic Voice Served As An Officer in the US Army

Portrait of James Earl Jones + James Earl Jones as Vice Adm. James Greer

Actor James Earl Jones had one of the most recognizable voices in Hollywood. From the haunting villain of Darth Vader in Star Wars‘ to the…

Military Hacks That’ll Make Everyday Life That Much Easier

Three camouflaged soldiers squatting in bushes

There are many things in life that are tough, and military personnel have figured out the best ways to combat them. While War History Online…

Apple TV+ Releases Sneak Peek of the First Episode of ‘Masters of the Air’

Still from 'Masters of the Air'

Masters of the Air is among the most anticipated wartime miniseries in recent memory. Starring Austin Butler and from the minds of Band of Brothers…

These Celebrities Bravely Served During the Vietnam War

Behind the scenes photo of Oliver Stone on the set of 'Natural Born Killers' + Behind the scenes photo of Jesse Ventura on the set of 'Predator' + R. Lee Ermey as Gunnery Sgt. Hartman in 'Full Metal Jacket'

Prior to embarking on their Hollywood careers – and even during them – a number of celebrities opt to serve in the US military. While…

The Story Behind Netflix’s Fort Hood Documentary, ‘I Am Vanessa Guillén’

American flag blowing in the wind + US Army portrait of Vanessa Guillén

The murder of Vanessa Guillén at Fort Hood (now Fort Cavazos), Texas sent shockwaves across the United States. The US Army soldier went missing after…

Deadly Military Uniform Designs That Ultimately Got Soldiers Killed

Still from 'Napoleon'

There have been a number of times when fashion outweighed function when it came to military uniforms, sometimes leading to deadly results. The shortfalls that…

Norman Lear Flew 52 Combat Missions with the US Army Air Forces During WWII

Norman Lear wearing a suit and hat

Norman Lear was one of the most important individuals in the history of the small screen. Active in the industry since the mid-20th century, he…

The Surprisingly Sweet Role Ice Cream Played During World War II

British troops eating ice cream at a shop counter

Whether it’s a photograph of a loved one, a favorite meal or one of the many simple commodities we take for granted at home, the…

6-Star General: Only Three Individuals Have Been Promoted to the Prestigious Rank

Military portrait of Ulysses S. Grant + Military portrait of John J. Pershing + Military portrait of George Washington

The rank of 6-star general is so high in the US military’s hierarchy that it’s only ever been given out three times. One recipient was…

The Most Dangerous Military Aircraft to Ever Take to the Skies

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II in flight + Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II in flight

Since the First World War, aircraft have been key to winning major skirmishes. Not only do they provide fire support from the air, but they…

John McCain Opened Up About What It Was Like Being a POW In the Vietnam War

John McCain lying in a hospital bed

During the years he served in the US Senate, John McCain was known for being a maverick. He earned this reputation by sticking to his…