The US Air Force Lost An Atomic Bomb Over the Canadian Wilderness
“Broken arrow” is the term used when a nuclear weapon is stolen, lost or unintentionally detonated. It was first used in 1950, when an American…
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…
The MI5 Used Falcons to Catch German Carrier Pigeons
The use of pigeons on the battlefield is often associated with the First World War. Homing pigeons, in particular, were used the most, with the…
Al Schmid: The US Marine Who Continued to Man His Machine Gun After Taking a Grenade to the Face
Al Schmid, an apprentice steel burner, enlisted in the US Marine Corps after hearing about the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Once on the battlefield,…
Frogmen: Before Navy SEALs, Underwater Demolition Teams Were Making a Splash on the Battlefield
The Navy SEALs are among the most highly-regarded Special Operations forces in the United States, only made more illusive by stories of their various units,…
The US Army Once Tried to Turn a Nerf Football Into a Grenade
The Cold War was a time of near constant military innovation. The frequent advancement of weapons of war required a fast response, which sometimes meant…
Cavalry Scouts Have Been An Integral Part of the US Army for Centuries
The US Army was officially founded on June 14, 1775. Just a few months later, the Cavalry Scouts were created. These soldiers have played an…
The British Were Harvesting Soldiers’ Organs During WWI
A book by Canadian historian Tim Cook has brought to light some disturbing evidence regarding a British program that saw the harvesting of slain Canadian…
Flakpanzer Gepard: A Cold War-Era Anti-Aircraft Gun That Continues to See Use
In May 1955, nearly a decade after the end of the Second World War, West Germany joined NATO. Reacting to the decision, the Soviet Union…
Teresio Martinoli: The Italian Ace Who Flew for Both Sides During WWII
For those who won the war, their flying aces go down in history for their brave actions and heroic deeds. Even those who didn’t win…
John Wheeler and the Missing Papers That Nearly Sparked a Cold War Catastrophe
Even the most brilliant people on the planet can sometimes be a bit absent-minded. John Wheeler certainly fit this category. The theoretical physicist is credited…
5.56 vs 7.62: Which is the Better Long Distance Round?
5.56 x 45 mm vs 7.62 x 39 mm; when it comes to ammunition, these two cartridges are among the most prolific and well-known. They’re…