World War 2 | War History

High School Project Reunites Twin Brothers Seven Decades After WWII

Servicemen carrying a flag-draped coffin

On June 19, 2018, twin brothers Ludwig Julius Wilhelm “Louie” Pieper and Julius Heinrich Otto “Henry” Pieper were laid to rest side-by-side, some 74 years…

The Allies Faced Many Difficult and Ingenious Beach Obstacles During WWII

Todd Neikirk
Tank driving over Czech hedgehogs + Two soldiers squatting near Teller mines

The Second World War saw the implementation of a number of new weapons and devices. In particular, the Allied forces had to contend with many…

Bill Mauldin: The Unofficial Cartoonist of the Second World War

Bill Mauldin sitting at a desk

Journalism and war have gone hand in hand for many years, with the field truly coming into its own during the Second World War. On…

Jock McLaren: The Soldier-Turned-Guerrilla Fighter Who Performed Major Surgery on Himself In the Jungle

Todd Neikirk
Jock McLaren and others sitting in a boat

Throughout World War I and II, soldiers came from all backgrounds. Robert Kerr “Jock” McLaren was a veterinarian by trade, but during his service with…

Ernest Borgnine: The ‘McHale’s Navy’ Star’s Service During World War II

Todd Neikirk
Ernest Borgnine as Lt. Cmdr. Quinton McHale in 'McHale's Navy'

Ernest Borgnine had an incredible acting career that spanned decades, with arguably his most notable role being Lt. Cmdr. Quinton McHale in the ABC sitcom,…

The Good, the Bad and the Dirty: Understanding WWII Letter Acronyms

Envelope with "SWA(L)K" written in pencil on the back

Letter writing was used on all fronts of the Second World War as a way for soldiers to keep in touch with friends and family.…

Wait for Me, Daddy: The True Story Behind the Iconic World War II Photo

Warren Bernard running to his father who is standing in line with other Canadian soldiers

The Wait for Me, Daddy photograph became one of the most famous images to come out of Canada during the Second World War. A seemingly…

Sinking of the HMT Rohna: The Largest Loss of American Life At Sea During WWII

HMT Rohna at sea

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 saw 1,177 sailors and crewmen onboard the USS Arizona (BB-39) lose their lives. While a…

The Price of Freedom: The Forgotten Civilian Deaths of D-Day

American soldiers sitting in a landing craft at sea

Operation Overlord, better known as D-Day, is often remembered for being one of the most intense battles in military history. Films like 1998’s Saving Private…

USS Thresher (SS-200): The Most Decorated American Submarine of WWII

USS Thresher (SS-200) at sea

During the First World War, Germany deployed a number of vessels that turned naval warfare on its head. Among them were bigger and more effective…

Operation Tannenbaum: Why Didn’t Germany Invade Switzerland?

Todd Neikirk
Swiss guard standing in front of a line of sandbags

Switzerland was able to remain neutral throughout the Second World War. As soon as the conflict broke out in 1939, the nation prepared itself for…

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…