James Risner Chased an Enemy MiG Into China to Shoot It Down, Then Survived the Hanoi Hilton
James Robinson “Robbie” Risner was a skilled US military pilot, a double recipient of the Air Force Cross, and a hero of both the Korean…
Vietnam Veteran and Second-Longest Held POW in American History to Receive Congressional Gold Medal
Hundreds of US service members were taken by the North Vietnamese (NVA) and held prisoner during the Vietnam War. What makes Everett Alvarez, Jr. unique…
Vietnam-Era Helmet Found in Guernsey Charity Shop Returned to Family in the United States
An American Vietnam-era helmet that was discovered at a charity shop on Guernsey, in the United Kingdom, has been returned to the deceased man’s family…
Laurence Fishburne Saved Emilio Estevez’s Life on the Set of ‘Apocalypse Now’
The iconic Vietnam War film Apocalypse Now (1979) captures daring feats and fearless acts onscreen, but, behind the scenes, the adventure was just as intense.…
The Vietnam War’s Heroic ‘Dustoff’ MEDEVAC Crews to Receive Congressional Gold Medal
Whenever troops are severely injured in battle, they’re extracted and airlifted to the nearest medical facility by MEDEVAC teams. These units, conducting “Dustoff” flights, as…
US Navy SEAL? Deadly Sniper? Debunking the Rumors About Mister Rogers’ Military Service
Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood (1968-2001) was one of the most iconic children’s shows in North America. On-air for 31 seasons, it was lauded for its thoughtful…
William Calley: The Only US Soldier Convicted for His Actions in the Mỹ Lai Massacre
William Calley has become synonymous with the horrific events that were perpetrated by American soldiers during the Mỹ Lai Massacre. A second lieutenant serving with…
INTERVIEW: William Sturkey Discusses His New Book About MoH Recipient and War Hero Roy Benavidez
Medal of Honor recipient Master Sgt. Roy Benavidez was the definition of a true American hero. Surviving “six hours of hell” in the jungle along…
William Goines: The First African-American US Navy SEAL Served Three Tours in Vietnam
The US Navy SEALs are among the most elite groups in the US military; only the best and toughest make it through the training. Among…
Amazon Prime Facing Backlash for Removing ‘Born To Kill’ From ‘Full Metal Jacket’ Movie Poster
Amazon Prime is one of the world’s premiere streaming services, sharing a space at the top of the market with the likes of Netflix, Disney+…
Don’t Call Him Maj. Bambi! Child Actor Donnie Dunagan Was the Youngest Drill Instructor in USMC History
It’s not unusual to learn that your favorite celebrity once served their country, but what about learning that one of your comrades voiced one of…
Clarence Sasser: The Medic Who Ran Through Enemy Fire and Disregarded His Own Injuries to Save His Comrades
The Vietnam War was a decades-long conflict that saw millions of Americans shipped overseas to fight the Communist forces. Of those who served, over 200…
The 1969 Draft Lottery Fueled Anti-War Sentiments In the United States During the Vietnam War
Conscription is nothing new when it comes to military service in the United States. It dates back to the American Revolution, and was most notably…
INTERVIEW: Dr. Marshall Poe on the Mỹ Lai Massacre and Its Impact on Vietnam-Era America
The Mỹ Lai Massacre has been dubbed “the most shocking episode of the Vietnam War,” with hundreds of civilians slaughtered by American troops. It’s an…
Chuck Mawhinney: The Legendary USMC Sniper Who Hit 16 Enemy in 30 Seconds on a Pitch-Black Night
In the realm of extraordinary military feats, several service members gain recognition, receiving public praise and awards – some even become the subjects of books…
Book Review: ‘Hot Mics and TV Lights’ Tells the Stories of the American Forces Vietnam Network
Mention the “Armed Forces Network” to most veterans or military families who served overseas and you’re sure to get a reaction. Say it to a…
North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco: The Vietnam-Era Light-Attack Aircraft That’s Looking to Make a Comeback
The North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco was a Vietnam-era light-attack and observation aircraft that was favored by the US Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps.…
Henry Kissinger Helped Orchestrate the Deadly Carpet Bombing of Cambodia During the Vietnam War
Depending on who you ask, Henry Kissinger is either a revered political figure or a war criminal. Serving as national security advisor during the Nixon…
Florida Man Finds Live Vietnam-Era Military Round In Garage, Prompts Response From Bomb Squad
The death of a family member can be a sad event, made even more so by having to go through the items they left behind.…
US Navy SEAL Solomon Atkinson Embodied the Spirit of Dedicated Military Service
There have been an innumerable amount of US Navy SEALs who’ve served since the 1960s, but few have earned themselves the reputation of Solomon Atkinson.…
MoH Recipient Larry Taylor Disregarded a Direct Order and Saved a Four-Man Reconnaissance Team
The Medal of Honor has been handed out to just over 3,500 servicemen since its inception during the American Civil War. It’s a symbol of…
Clint Eastwood Turned Down the Opportunity to Star in ‘Apocalypse Now’
Apocalypse Now (1979) is arguably one of the best Vietnam War movies ever released. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring the likes of Marlon…
The American Forces Endured Arduous Fighting At Con Thien During the Vietnam War
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…
The Best Vietnam War Movies to Watch If You Like ‘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…
The Devastating Use of Agent Orange By the United States In Vietnam
The Vietnam War remains one of the most controversial chapters of modern history. Among its many devastating consequences, the use of chemical warfare, particularly Agent…
Staff Sergeant Gail Kerns Was Held As a POW By the North Vietnamese for Four Years
As with all conflicts, prisoners of war (POW) were commonplace during the Vietnam War. It’s estimated that around 2,500 Americans were either missing in action…
5,000 War Dogs Served in Vietnam and Almost All of Them Were Left Behind
Among the many valiant actors of the Vietnam War were war dogs, courageous canines who played an indispensable role in the conflict. Trained as sentry,…
USS Ticonderoga (CV-14): The Aircraft Carrier That Served In Two Wars and Aided In the Apollo Missions
The USS Ticonderoga (CV/CVA/CVS-14) was an Essex-class aircraft carrier built by the US Navy during the Second World War. She was the fourth ship to…
Errol Flynn’s Son Disappeared While Serving As a Photojournalist In Vietnam
In 1970, Sean Flynn, son of Vintage Hollywood legend, Errol Flynn, disappeared in Cambodia while covering the Vietnam War. At 28 years old, he’d already…
Leonard Matlovich Was the First Serviceman to Out Himself in Protest of the US Military’s Homophobic Regulations
Outside of his service during the Vietnam War, US Air Force Tech. Sgt. Leonard Matlovich fought a very different kind of battle, one against the…
Battle of Khe Sanh: The Siege That Shook America
The Vietnam War, one of the most contentious conflicts of the 20th century, witnessed numerous fierce enagements that left a lasting impact. Among them was…
Why American Soldiers Had Human Skulls Watching Over Them In Vietnam
Above is an American soldier encamped during a tour of Vietnam, sitting with his rifle in-hand while a human skull keeps watch. Award-winning British photojournalist…
The Freelance Photographer With the Amazing Mustache Who Survived Enemy Fire In Vietnam
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…
The USS Oriskany Was Purposefully Sunk In the Gulf of Mexico to Form An Artificial Reef
Laid down in the middle of World War II, the Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CV/CVA-34) didn’t see action until after the conflict. She was…
The Controversial Phoenix Program Was Created to Obliterate the Viet Cong
The Vietnam War was arguably the most controversial conflict of the 20th century. One of the most contentious aspects of the war was the Phoenix…
Charles Robert Jenkins Defected to North Korea Because He Didn’t Want to Serve in Vietnam – He Was Held for 39 Years
Charles Robert Jenkins was an American soldier who defected to North Korea in 1965. Contrary to what it may seem, his plan was never to…
Robert Downey Jr. Tackles Several Roles In Trailer for HBO’s ‘The Sympathizer’
The trailer for HBO’s upcoming Vietnam-era miniseries The Sympathizer has been released. Based on the 2015 novel of the same name by Viet Thanh Nguyen,…
Cessna A-37 Dragonfly: The Forgotten Legend of Vietnam
The Cessna A-37 Dragonfly is an American light attack aircraft. Developed from the T-37 Tweet basic trainer, which earned it the nickname, “Super Tweet,” it…
The Vought F-8 Crusader was Nicknamed the ‘Last of the Gunfighters’
The Vought F-8 Crusader was an American jet-powered fighter that served with the US Navy from 1957-76. During its tenure, the aircraft participated in the…
The Real-Life Battle Behind the Brutal Vietnam War Movie, ‘Hamburger Hill’
Some of the best war movies are based on real-life events – stories that are so fantastical that they’re almost unbelievable, such as Hacksaw Ridge…
Facts About the Award-Winning and Controversial Vietnam Epic, ‘The Deer Hunter’
The Academy Award-winning film The Deer Hunter (1978) is the most controversial Vietnam-era film – that’s not an opinion, it’s a fact. Starring Robert De…
The Personal Experiences That Influenced Oliver Stone’s Vietnam War Trilogy
Oliver Stone is arguably one of the best directors and screenwriters in Hollywood, known for his ability to bring blockbuster and award-winning stories to the…
George Patton Called Creighton Abrams a ‘World Champion’ Tank Commander
There are some military commanders who stand out among the rest, and Creighton Abrams is one of them. Serving during the Second World War, as…
Mayaguez Incident: The Post-Vietnam Rescue Operation That Left Over 40 Americans Dead
Just weeks after the Vietnam War was declared to be over, a new conflict erupted, threatening the peace many US and South Vietnamese soldiers had…
The Ending of the Battle of Ia Drang Was Different Than How It’s Depicted In ‘We Were Soldiers’
We Were Soldiers (2002) is considered by many to be one of the best Vietnam War films ever made. This praise is largely due to…
Playboy’s Surprising Impact On the Vietnam War
For those fighting overseas during the Vietnam War, there was nothing like the comforts of home. From Adrian Cronauer‘s radio show on the American Forces…
17 Powerful Images That Show the Human Side of War
Since the First World War, every conflict has been well-documented. There are millions of photos showing soldiers, aircraft, tanks and battlefields, and behind them are…
PBRs: The US Navy’s Small and Nimble Watercraft In Vietnam
The Patrol Boat, River – commonly known as PBR – was a nimble, speedy riverboat commissioned by the US Navy, for use during the Vietnam…
Pardo’s Push Saved the Lives of Two Men, But Wasn’t Recognized for Decades
Capt. John R. “Bob” Pardo was assigned to the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, 433rd Tactical Fighter Squadron, which attacked an integral North Vietnamese steel mill.…
Gary Wetzel: The MoH Recipient Who Rescued His Commander, Despite Losing His Arm to Enemy Action
Medal of Honor recipients are built differently than your average soldier, and there’s no one who proves this more than Sp4c. Gary Wetzel. The Vietnam…
Roy Benavidez Survived ‘Six Hours of Hell’ to Save His Comrades
Roy Benavidez served during the Korean War and in Vietnam, although it’s his actions in the latter that he’s best known for. In an incredible…
Held Captive: Airman Richard Keirn Survived Being a Prisoner of War In Both WWII and Vietnam
Many servicemen found themselves fighting in not just the Second World War, but also in Vietnam. However, very few were held captive as prisoners of…
Joe Galloway: Legendary War Correspondent and Vietnam Hero
Joe Galloway is certainly a well-known name to those familiar with the Vietnam War. Whether through his book, We Were Soldiers Once… And Young, or the…
Going Against Orders, Paris Davis Braved 19 Hours of Enemy Fire to Rescue His Wounded Comrades
A number of soldiers distinguished themselves during the Vietnam War, but few displayed the bravery of Paris Davis. One of the first African-American officers in…
These Celebrities Bravely Served During the Vietnam War
Prior to embarking on their Hollywood careers – and even during them – a number of celebrities opt to serve in the US military. While…
MACV-SOG: The Vietnam-Era Special Operators You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
You’ve heard of the elite Navy SEALs and Green Berets who conducted guerrilla and counter-guerrilla operations, trained local troops and quashed enemy uprising in Vietnam.…
Thanksgiving Day Mission: Six MACV-SOG Commandos vs. 30,000 Enemy Troops
Thanksgiving, a time for filling yourself with turkey, stuffing and potatoes in various different forms – unless you’re MACV-SOG, that is. Then it’s a time…
David Larsen Took On 50 Enemy Troops With Just An M60 Machine Gun
When an ambush turned sour, Petty Officer David Larsen took up arms to provide support for his fellow servicemen. Taking on an enemy force of…
Hugh Thompson Jr. Saved Innocent Civilians During the Mỹ Lai Massacre – He Was Deemed a Traitor
The Vietnam War saw the US military employ a number of controversial tactics in the name of protecting the American public. One of the worst…
Despite Being Up Against 2,000 Enemy Troops, Bernard Fisher Risked His Life to Save a Fellow Airman
During the Vietnam War, a number of US military service members distinguished themselves. Among them was US Air Force pilot Bernard Fisher, who risked his…
Vietnam Jungle: The Dangerous Snakes, Animals and Traps US Troops Encountered During the Vietnam War
The experience of war has always been intertwined with the environment. Weather, landmarks, climate and ecology all play a role in the outcome of a…
Billy Waugh Couldn’t Walk Away From the US Military, Not Even After Being Shot In the Head
Billy Waugh had a long military career, during which he honorably served. His commitment earned him many awards, including the Silver Star, four Bronze Stars,…
Theodore Roosevelt IV: Vietnam War Veteran, Activist and Environmentalist
Theodore Roosevelt IV is one of many in a long line of namesakes. His most well-known relative is his great-grandfather, Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, who served…
Vietnam War Movies That Best Show the Realities of the Conflict
Life was forever changed for the 2.7 million individuals who served in Vietnam. The realities of the war also changed cinema. Rather than show the…
John McCain Opened Up About What It Was Like Being a POW In the Vietnam War
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…
Adrian Cronauer: The Charismatic Inspiration for ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’
Of all the films made about the Vietnam War, none are quite like 1987’s Good Morning, Vietnam. It follows Adrian Cronauer, a radio disc jockey…
Wes Studi Served in Vietnam Before Becoming an Actor and Veterans Advocate
Wes Studi is best known for his roles in such award winning films as Dances with Wolves (1990), The Last of the Mohicans (1992), Geronimo: An…
Mike Vining: The Incredible Career of the Delta Force Operator Behind the Famed Military Meme
Circulating around the internet is a meme featuring a soldier wearing glasses and his military uniform. He’s adorned with a number of different ribbons and…
Snipers: The Four Greatest Marksmen In Military History
Becoming one of the greatest snipers in history isn’t an easy feat to accomplish. The following four snipers, however, proved themselves worthy of the title…
The Douglas A-1 Skyraider: The Best Attack Plane Ever Made
The Douglas A-1 Skyraider was not only an integral aircraft used following WWII, but it was also a deadly weapon capable of eviscerating the enemy…
Richard Marcinko: The Controversial Navy SEAL Legend
Richard “Demo Dick” Marcinko had an average upbringing. Born into a family of Croatian and Slovakian immigrants living in Lansford, Pennsylvania, he was only 17…
The Unbelievable True Story of John ‘Chickie’ Donohue and ‘The Greatest Beer Run Ever’
There are a number of wartime stories involving beer. For example, William Speakman of the Royal Highland Regiment is famous for holding back 6,000 Chinese…
Operation Wandering Soul: The US Military’s Use of Psychological Warfare in Vietnam
The US military is no stranger to the use of propaganda and psychological tricks when it comes to conducting war. During World War II, the…
US Air Force Pilot Richard Ritchie Shot Down Five Enemy Aircraft in Vietnam
On August 28, 1972, US Air Force Capt. Richard Stephen “Steve” Ritchie and Weapons System Officer Capt. Charles Barbin DeBellevue successfully shot down a North…
Robert Howard: The Decorated Green Beret Who was Nominated for the MoH Three Times
Robert L. Howard was a dedicated US Army Special Forces soldier who received 14 wounds during his 54 months in Vietnam. His service afforded him…
The Vietnam War Featured Four Exceptional American Snipers
The battles of the Vietnam War were unlike any the US military had faced before. Early on in the conflict, officials realized snipers were going…
Richard ‘The Giant Killer’ Flaherty was the Shortest Green Beret to Fight in Vietnam
The US Army Special Forces, commonly referred to as the Green Berets, are one of the country’s most elite fighting forces. They’re known for their…
Did the US Try to Give France Nuclear Weapons to Use in Vietnam?
Vietnam has been a desirable target for many of the world’s most powerful countries since the French conquest in 1858. China, Japan and the United…
The Ace of Spades Was Used By the 101st Airborne Before It Became the ‘Death Card’
Symbols during wartime are important and, more than that, they are powerful. Winston Churchill famously used the “V for Victory” symbol during World War II,…
MoH Recipient William H. Pitsenbarger Gave His Life Trying to Rescue His Injured Comrades
Servicemen are presented with the Medal of Honor when they showcase incredible acts of valor. The highest and most prestigious award in the US military,…
Vietnam War Traps: 9 Viet Cong Booby Traps That Defined the Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was infamous for the guerrilla warfare the American forces were largely unprepared for. The Viet Cong were on home turf and used…
The History of Fragging in the US Military
Leading a group of soldiers during wartime is a massive responsibility, and the decisions made can often mean the difference between life and death for…
Seven Little-Known Facts Fans Need to Know About ‘Apocalypse Now’
When it was released in 1979, Apocalypse Now was unlike any war movie the public had ever seen, forever changing the genre. The film, written by…
Lt. Gen. Larry Jordan on His Military Career and the Service of African-Americans in WWI
The US military has a long and complicated history when it comes to the treatment of minorities within its ranks. While things have certainly improved,…
The History of the US Navy’s TOPGUN School
The popular Tom Cruise movie Top Gun debuted in theaters in 1986, and features Cruise and his co-stars attending the US Navy’s TOPGUN school –…
Anti-War Resistance in the US Military During the Vietnam War
Following the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor during World War II, many American civilians were eager to go off to war. It was a much…
Lockheed AC-130: The Gunship That Provided Much-Needed Support in Vietnam
The Lockheed AC-130 is a special operations gunship that can trace its history back to the Douglas C-47 Skytrain. Over its nearly 60 years of…
The USS Midway’s Aircraft Were Credited with the First MiG Kills in Vietnam
Air battles became very common during World War II. As a result, the leading powers in the world had to build more aircraft carriers. The…
Phil Bucklew: The Father of US Naval Special Warfare
Following the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, individuals from all kinds of professions enlisted in the US military, including musicians, movie stars and athletes. Phil…
David Hackworth: The Highly Decorated 101st Veteran Who Led Tiger Force In Vietnam
When he was still a teenager, David Hackworth decided that he wanted a life of adventure. And he certainly succeeded in accomplishing that feat. The…
The M203 Grenade Launcher’s Decades of Service Are Proof of Its Effectiveness
Throughout the course of the Vietnam War, the US Army developed a number of grenade launchers to aid forces in Southeast Asia. One of those…
C-4: The Vietnam-Era Explosive Still Used Today
The Second World War was the catalyst for countless new technologies that we still use today. From medicines like penicillin to the atomic bomb and…
The History Behind the USAF’s Top-Secret Fighter Pilot Unit in Vietnam
A new documentary slated to premiere on PBS stations on May 2, 2022 will introduce audiences to the never-before-told story of 157 US Air Force…
US Troops in Vietnam Hated the M16 So Much They Picked Up the Enemy’s AK-47s
The M16 rifle was initially adopted for use in jungle warfare operations in Vietnam. However, it wound up being such an unreliable weapon that American…
From the Scythians to Russia: The Use of Scorched Earth Tactics in War
Scorched earth tactics have been used nearly as long as armies have conducted military campaigns. While the practice is less common in modern times, it…
10 Photos of US Troops Displaying Enemy Flags Like Trophies
The “loss” of a unit or army’s colors refers to the capture of a flag in battle or it being taken away as a form…
Turning Personal Experiences Into Song: Six Musicians Who Served in the US Military
The very best songwriters in the world call on their life experiences to help inform their music – and serving in the US military is…
Daughter Surprises Vietnam War Veteran – He Never Knew She Existed!
When Vietnam War veteran Gary Barnes received a call one day in 2017, he couldn’t have anticipated who was on the other end of the…
Operation Lam Son 719 Obliterated America’s Helicopter Force in Vietnam
American warfare in the 20th century featured big technological advances during each respective conflict. The Vietnam War, for example, featured thousands of helicopters, which were…
The Controversial History of Napalm and Its Use in War
The use of fire in warfare is horrific and terrifying. It’s also nothing new. The ancient Greeks used petroleum-based fire weapons, referred to as “sticky…