Leonard T. Schroeder: The First Allied Soldier to Land on Normandy on D-Day
Leonard T. Schroeder Jr. holds a unique place in history as the first Allied soldier to set foot on Normandy during D-Day. Leading Infantry Rifle…
Official Trailer Released for Upcoming Film About William Tell
The exploits of one of histories greatest folk heroes, William Tell, are making their way to the big screen, and we finally have a sense…
Trent Park: The Lavish British Estate That Held (and Spied on) High-Ranking German POWs
Nestled in north London, Trent Park is an impressive mansion with a history dating back to the late 18th century. Once owned by Sir Philip…
Trails of Hope: Honoring the Service and Sacrifice of Poles During World War II
In 1939, as the Führer and Soviet leader Joseph Stalin divided Poland between themselves, but they never broke the nation’s free spirit. In the years…
Clive Owen to Star in Historical Thriller ‘Kristallnacht’
British actor Clive Owen has starred in many big-name productions, notably King Arthur (2004), Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2006) and Valerian and the City of…
How Did Benito Mussolini Die? The Demise of Italy’s Fascist Dictator
Benito Mussolini was one of the world’s major leaders at the onset of the Second World War. Becoming Italy’s prime minister in 1922, he’d sought…
After Renouncing Her German Citizenship, Marlene Dietrich Dedicated Herself to the American War Effort
German actor Marlene Dietrich was one of the most famous faces of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Moving to the United States after her breakthrough role in…
Would You Want to Live in a Former German Bunker? Now’s Your Chance!
A former German personnel bunker has been converted into a three-bedroom luxury home on the tiny island of Guernsey. Built in 1942 by the German…
Actors You May Not Have Realized Served in World War II
Several big-name actors served in World War II – Clark Gable, James “Jimmy” Stewart, David Niven, Henry Fonda, etc. – risking their lives in Europe…
One of the Last Surviving Navajo Code Talkers Has Died at 107
One of the last surviving Navajo code talkers has died. The passing of 107-year-old John Kinsel, Sr. on October 19, 2024, was announced in a…
Chiune Sugihara: The Japanese ‘Schindler’ Who Saved Thousands of Lithuanian Jewish Refugees
Oskar Schindler’s story is known across the world, primarily due to Steven Spielberg’s Academy Award-winning film Schindler’s List (1993), which depicts the German industrialist’s efforts…
Did You Know the Last Ever US Cavalry Charge Into Combat Occurred in World War II?
When you think of World War II, you likely picture aircraft whizzing through the air, tanks firing their massive guns and troops using vehicles to…
British Submarine Found 81 Years After Disappearing Without a Trace
A Royal Navy submarine that seemingly vanished without a trace during the Second World War has finally been located off the coast of Greece. HMS…
What Role Did Naval Warfare Play In the Early Stages of Germany’s Invasion of Poland?
While many focus on the ground invasion when it comes to Germany’s offensive against Poland in September 1939, it’s important to take note of what…
National WWI Museum and Memorial Opens Century-Old Time Capsule
Update – 10/16/2024: The National WWI Museum and Memorial has unveiled the contents of the time capsule that had been placed in the cornerstone of…
One of the Gulf War’s Most Controversial Attacks Occurred Along the ‘Highway of Death’
The Gulf War was a 20th-century conflict that saw a Coalition force, headed by the United States, fight the Iraqi military following a devastating invasion…
Operation Deep Freeze: The Cold War-Era Antarctic Expedition That Kickstarted Decades of Research
In the midst of the Cold War, the United States came together with countries around the world to research one of the most remote areas…
‘Ghost Ship of the Pacific’ Discovered Off the Coast of California
Over 78 years after she was sunk by the US Navy off the coast of San Francisco, California, the wreck of the USS Stewart (DD-224)…
Masamitsu Yoshioka, Last Surviving Pearl Harbor Bombardier, Dead at 106
The last surviving Japanese bombardier who attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, has passed away. Masamitsu Yoshioka, whose death was announced on Japanese social…
The P-47 Thunderbolt Pilot Who Was Escorted to Safety By Two Luftwaffe Fighters
The Battle of the Bulge, which took place between December 1944 and January ’45, was a turning point in the Allies’ fight against the Germans…
World War II-Era Bomb Explodes at Japanese Airport
It’s not an uncommon occurrence for World War II-era munitions to be found throughout Japan, but locating one at an airport is definitely unexpected –…
World War II Film ‘White Bird’ Starring Helen Mirren Slated for North American Release
After years of delays, White Bird will finally be debuting in North American theaters. The World War II-era film, starring Helen Mirren and Gillian Anderson,…
Who Was Elizabeth ‘Lee’ Miller? The True Story Behind the Kate Winslet-Led Movie
Of the correspondents to cover the Second World War, one of the most famous was Lee Miller. Working for Vogue and traveling with the US…
The Controversial Film ‘Defiance’ Brought the Resistance Work of the Bielski Partisans to the Big Screen
As the Axis Powers increased their sphere of influence across Europe during the Second World War, various Resistance groups popped up. With a desire to…
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…
Aaron Bank: The ‘Father of the Green Berets’ Who Revolutionized Special Warfare
The US Army’s Special Forces are among the most elite military groups in the entire world. Famous for their clandestine warfare capabilities, they regularly strike…
Dudley Clarke: The British Army’s Master of Deception Tricked the ‘Desert Fox’ in North Africa
Everyone is familiar with the US military’s Ghost Army, artists and architects whose sole job was to deceive the Germans during the Second World War.…
We Can’t Get Over These Historical Inaccuracies in ‘Braveheart’
Braveheart (1995) is a historical epic directed by and starring Mel Gibson. Set in late 13th-century Scotland, the film covers the life of William Wallace…
Operation Argus: The US Military’s Attempt to Block Soviet Attacks With Artificial Radiation Belts
In 1958, the US Navy participated in Operation Argus, a Cold War-era project designed to test a theory that involved both nuclear weapons and the…
USS Tang (SS-306): The Decorated US Submarine That Was Sunk By Her Own Torpedo
The USS Tang (SS-306) was one of the most effective submarines to serve in the Pacific Theater during the Second World War. Over the course…
Germany Once Planned to Assassinate Winston Churchill… With Exploding Chocolate
Throughout the Second World War, prominent politicians were the subject of assassination plots. While often unsuccessful, they were a way for everyday civilians, Resistance fighters,…
James Cameron to Bring Film Adaptation of ‘Ghosts of Hiroshima’ to the Big Screen
Academy Award-winning director James Cameron has obtained the film rights for Charles Pellegrino’s forthcoming book, Ghosts of Hiroshima. The nonfiction release, which draws upon accounts…
Australian Military Commanders Stripped of Medals Over Alleged War Crimes
Several retired and active-duty Australian military commanders have been stripped of medals over alleged war crimes committed during the War in Afghanistan. Defence Minister Richard…
MoH Recipient Richard M. McCool, Jr. Ignored His Own Injuries to Rally His Men After a Kamikaze Attack
Throughout the Second World War, there were countless examples of bravery and heroism that went well beyond the call of duty. Among those to exemplify…
American Politicians Pushing to Award Bataan, Attu Veterans the Congressional Gold Medal
Two American politicians, Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM 3rd District), have introduced a renewed push to award veterans of the…
World War II-Era Shipwrecks Re-Emerge From the Depths of Danube River
World War II-era vessels once operated by the Kriegsmarine have “risen” from the depths of the Danube, in Serbia. The wrecks, which belonged to Germany’s…
‘Area 52’ Veterans Call Out US Government for Refusing to Acknowledge Health Issues Caused By Radiation Exposure
The United States is home to one of the most controversial military bases in the world – and it’s probable you’ve never heard of it.…
24 Rare Photos That Give Us Another View of World War I
World War I was an international conflict that saw millions of troops come face-to-face across Europe and other regions. We’ve all seen images that were…
The True Story Behind the Cold War’s Most Iconic Photograph
When asked about the most iconic photograph of the Cold War, odds are the one that comes to mind is of an East German officer…
North American Release Date Revealed for Pierce Brosnan WWII Movie ‘The Last Rifleman’
Nearly a year after it premiered on the British streaming service Sky Cinema, The Last Rifleman (2023) will finally debut in North America. The World…
Netflix Releasing Kerry Washington-Led Film About 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion
Netflix has released the trailer for its upcoming film about the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the first and only unit of color with the…
Second Sino-Japanese War: The ‘Asian Holocaust’ That Witnessed Some of History’s Most Horrific War Crimes
The Second Sino-Japanese War was the result of escalating tensions and conflict between China and Japan that had been brewing for decades. When fighting broke…
What Was Happening in Rhodesia Prior to the Outbreak of the Bush War?
Among military enthusiasts and historians, the Rhodesian Bush War is a relatively vague and understudied conflict. There are many misconceptions that exist and, sadly, even…
The B-29 Superfortress ‘Enola Gay’ Forever Changed Warfare When It Dropped the Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima
For many, the development of the Boeing B-29 Superfortress was a turning point of the Second World War. Hitting the skies in mid-1944, the bomber…
Mystery WWI Letter Catches the Attention of Online Sleuths – Who Is the Owner?
A mystery letter from 1918 has been discovered at Tyne Cot Cemetery, near West Flanders, Belgium. It’s subsequently become a social media sensation, with efforts…
The Devastating Invasion That Kicked Off the Second World War
September 1, 2024, marks the 85th anniversary of the German invasion of Poland – and the beginning of the Second World War. Beginning with assaults…
EXCERPT: ‘Witty Manny’ – From Prisoner of War to an East German Hospital in Just 11 Months
Here, we continue our eventful World War II story of Emanuel von König, when he arrives in the western suburbs of Berlin on April 20,…
‘Blighty or Bust’ Tells the Story of a Young Soldier’s 2,000-Mile Escape to Freedom in World War II
An English author has unearthed an amazing World War II escape story in a cardboard box of papers and cuttings he bought via an online…
The Touching Story of the Letter Jimmy Stewart Read Before Every Bombing Mission
Famous for his memorable performances in classic films like The Philadelphia Story (1940), It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) and Anatomy of a Murder (1959), James…
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…
Famed Fletcher-Class Destroyers to Undergo Major Restoration Work
It appears two World War II-era warships will live to see another day, thanks to two separate efforts to preserve the vessels. The USS The…
Decommissioned Soviet Aircraft Carrier Catches Fire in Chinese River
One of the many Soviet aircraft carriers to wind up in China in the years since the bloc’s collapse has been heavily damaged in a…
Over 400 Homes Evacuated in Northern Ireland After Discovery of World War II-Era Bomb
Hundreds of homes were evacuated in Newtownards, County Down, Northern Ireland, after a suspected World War II-era bomb was discovered. The “suspected historic piece of…
Wreck of Royal Navy Warship Torpedoed During WWI Found in ‘Remarkable’ Condition
The long-lost wreck of a British warship lost in the North Sea during the First World War has been discovered off Scotland’s coast. HMS Hawke,…
The Führer Personally Intervened to Ensure Mildred Fish-Harnack Was Punished for Her Resistance Work
Upon the outbreak of the Second World War, and even before, Resistance groups began popping up across Europe. Determined to fight for freedom and to…
The Oft-Forgotten Aleutian Islands Campaign Saw the Fighting of World War II Arrive on North American Soil
The Aleutian Islands Campaign marked the only time fighting occurred on the continental United States against enemy forces during the Second World War. Beginning in…
Josefina Guerrero: The Philippine Spy Who Used Her Illness to Help the Allies Liberate Her Country
Throughout the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during the Second World War, guerrillas actively worked to liberate their country. Among then was a twenty-something woman…
The Only Two Japanese Ships Sunk Off the US Coast During World War II Have Been Found
Over 80 years after they were sunk, the only two Japanese ships believed to have been lost immediately off the coast of the United States…
The Wola Massacre Was One of the Most Horrific Episodes of the Warsaw Uprising
One of the worst episodes of the Warsaw Uprising was the Wola Massacre. In an act of retaliation, German troops systematically slaughtered tens of thousands…
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…
When British Commandos Became Pirates – The True Story Behind ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024), directed by Guy Ritchie, is one of the most exciting World War II-era movies to be released in recent…
US Department of Defense Reviewing Medals of Honor Awarded for Wounded Knee Massacre
The Wounded Knee Massacre is one of the darkest moments in American history, made even more so by the presentation of the Medal of Honor…
When 156 Irish Soldiers Fought Against a 3,000-Strong Force – They Only Surrendered After Running Out of Supplies
Taking place during the Congo Crisis, the Siege of Jadotville saw a contingent of Irish peacekeepers, led by Pat Quinlan, besieged by a significantly larger…
Audrey Hepburn Risked Her Life to Help the Dutch Resistance During World War II
When you think of “old” Hollywood, Audrey Hepburn likely comes to mind. Her filmography is impressive, but what if we were to tell you that…
‘Blitz’ Trailer Shows Saoirse Ronan Fighting to Find Her Child Amid German Air Raids on London
AppleTV+ has ramped up its production of wartime releases, and the streaming service’s latest will center around the Blitz on London, United Kingdom from 1940-41.…
Upcoming ‘House of Ashur’ Series Brings Back ‘Spartacus’ Universe After Decade-Long Hiatus
The popular Starz series Spartacus is returning after an 11-year hiatus. The 10-episode spinoff, titled Spartacus: House of Ashur, widens the scope of the Spartacus…
Site of Historic Clash Between Spartacus and the Roman Republic Discovered in Italy
A team of archaeologists working in Italy have uncovered the site where famed gladiator Spartacus and his followers clashed with soldiers serving the Roman Republic.…
Damian Lewis, Chris Messina Join Brendan Fraser-Led D-Day Movie ‘Pressure’
Brendan Fraser has experienced a renaissance (or, should we say, a Brennaissance) since his Oscar-winning role in 2022’s The Whale. It appears he’s continuing to…
The Stories Behind the Most Iconic World War II Propaganda Posters
Everyone is familiar with World War II-era propaganda posters. Often colorful, with phrases written to tug at citizens’ patriotism, they aimed to convince everyone, service…
US Navy Exonerates Black Sailors Court-Martialed in 1944 Port Chicago Disaster
The US Navy has officially exonerated 258 Black sailors in relation to courts-martial imposed following the deadly Port Chicago Disaster in July 1944. Eighty years…
German U-boats Managed to Sink 397 Allied Vessels in Torpedo Junction in Just Six Months
The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest engagement of the Second World War, with the Kriegsmarine reigning supreme in the ocean for much of…
Mickey Rooney Received the Bronze Star for Entertaining Troops on the Frontlines
Mickey Rooney was one of the most celebrated actors from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Known for his work with fellow child star Judy Garland…
There Are Three U-boats Entombed Beneath a Parking Lot in Germany’s Second-Largest City
While it’s not unheard of for wartime sea vessels to be located beneath the earth, it is rare. The most notable instance of this was…
She Was Adopted in the Chaos of the Post-War Era – Over Seven Decades Later, She Discovered a Brother She Didn’t Know Existed
Families were frequently split up during the Second World War, never knowing if they’d be reunited. While attempts were made by survivors to locate their…
The Wreck of the RMS Titanic Was Found During a Top-Secret Military Operation
The sinking of the RMS Titanic in April 1912 was one of the most tragic maritime disasters in history. As such, the discovery of the…
Centerpiece of the National World War I Memorial Unveiled in Washington, DC
Almost a decade in the making, the centerpiece of the National World War I Memorial was finally delivered to Washington, DC. The 58-foot-long, 10-foot-tall bronze…
USS Sachem (SP-192): ‘The Ghost Ship’ That Served in Both World Wars and Now Sits Abandoned in the Wilderness
There are many abandoned ships across the United States, but few have as storied a history as the USS Sachem (SP-192), which also went by…
‘They Were Expendable’ Actor Robert Montgomery Actually Served in the US Navy During World War II
Robert Montgomery wasn’t just an influential figure in Vintage Hollywood, he was also a dedicated member of the US military. He put his acting career…
Operation Meetinghouse: The Devastating Firebombing of Tokyo During World War II
It’s hard to imagine a worse attack on Japan during World War II than the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, but there was. The…
Volunteers Requesting Help to Save World War II-Era Liberty Ship SS John W. Brown
One of the last remaining operational World War II-era liberty ships is at risk of falling into disrepair and losing its certification from the US…
Battle of Palmdale: When a Runaway Unmanned Drone Wreaked Havoc In the Skies Over Southern California
There have been many embarrassing moments in the history of the US Air Force, but none more so than when two Northrop F-89D Scorpion were…
The March on Rome and Benito Mussolini’s Quest to Turn Italy Into a Fascist Nation
The March on Rome was the start of great political and societal change within Italy. Led by Benito Mussolini, the march aimed to tear down…
Over 160 Years After Being Executed By the Confederates, Two Union Soldiers Receive the Medal of Honor
The Great Locomotive Chase of April 1862 was among the most daring raids of the American Civil War. Led by James J. Andrews, a group…
John Ford Called Out John Wayne on Set for Not Serving in World War II
In the years following the Second World War, many films were released that detailed the dangers faced by both friend and foe. At the time,…
34 Miles of Tunnels Were Dug By the British Military Beneath the Rock of Gibraltar
A British territory north of Spain, Gibraltar is a beloved tourist destination that experiences naval dockyard actively by the British Royal Navy. Lesser known are…
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+…
Tököl Airbase Played a Major Role in Germany’s War Machine – That Is, Until the Soviets Took It Over
Hungary’s history is marked by significant instability. During World War II, it fell under German occupation and, in the Cold War era, the Soviet Union…
‘The Commandant’s Shadow’ Documentary Tells Story of Auschwitz Director’s Son
The Academy Award-winning film The Zone of Interest was among the most talked about in 2023. Now, a documentary about the movie’s subject, Auschwitz commandant…
Calvin Graham: The 12-Year-Old Sailor Who Received the Bronze Star During the Guadalcanal Campaign
It wasn’t unusual for boys to lie about their age to enlist in World War II. Many tried to persuade recruiters they were old enough…
Two Dead Following Crash Involving World War II-Era Aircraft in California
Two individuals aboard a World War II-era Lockheed Model 12 Electra Junior – better known as the L12 – died when the aircraft crashed shortly…
Facts About ‘Das Boot’ – The Most Realistic Submarine Movie Ever Released
If you ask history buffs to name a movie that best shows the realities of submarine warfare during World War II, the majority will say…
Roland Emmerich Reveals Possible Concept for Second Season of ‘Those About to Die’
Anthony Hopkins is arguably one of Hollywood’s most popular and talented actors, and he’s bringing his acting chops to a brand-new historical miniseries. Set in…
USS West Virginia (BB-48): The Battleship That Survived Pearl Harbor and Exacted Revenge on America’s Enemies
The USS West Virginia (BB-48) was one of the many American battleships to see action in the Pacific Theater during the Second World War. Miraculously…
The Capture of U-505 Helped America Crack the Kriegsmarine’s Ultra-Secretive Code
The capture of U-505 by the US Navy was one of the most secretive events of the Second World War. While on patrol off the…
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…
Ukraine Claims Destruction of Sukhoi Su-57 Deep Within Russian Territory
Ukraine has scored several hits within Russian territory, but few have been as major as the one recently announced on Telegram. Posting to its official…
Norwegian Farmer Finds 1,000-Year-Old Viking Sword in Field
A Viking Age discovery has been made in southwestern Norway. Øyvind Tveitane Lovra was picking stones in a field with his sons when he came…
PHOTOS: The World War II-Era German Military Base That Was Occupied By the Soviets
In the forests of Germany, the Wehrmacht built numerous training areas and temporary living quarters for troops. Most of these structures have been demolished, as…