The Legend of Unsinkable Sam: Did This Death-Defying Cat Really Exist?
Unsinkable Sam was the nickname given to a cat who reportedly survived the sinking of three ships during World War II. Also known as “Oscar,”…
The USS Maryland (BB-46) Survived Two Kamikaze Hits During WWII And Stayed In The Fight
The USS Maryland (BB-46) was commissioned in 1921 and saw heavy use in World War II. She was right at the forefront of many important…
Here’s What Happened to the U.S. Marines Who Lifted the Flag at Iwo Jima
The Battle of Iwo Jima is one of the most renowned in United States history. The five-week battle, fought by the Navy and Marines, captured…
The Exploits of Fritz Joubert: South African Turned German War Spy
Fritz Joubert Duquesne was a man originally born in South Africa who spied for the Germans in two World Wars. In between the battles, he…
The Myth That Carrots Are Good for Your Eyes Came from a WWII Propaganda Campaign
When I was younger, my parents always told me that carrots would give me better eyesight. Much to their surprise, even though I ate the…
Bob Ross, Drill Sergeant? How His Military Career Influenced His Painting
When you think of Bob Ross, what comes to mind? “Happy little trees,” his iconic afro and his soft, gentle voice. It’s a stark contrast…
These Unsettling Facts About WWII Aren’t Taught In School
Volumes have been written about the Second World War. Generations of students have learned about the conflict and, depending on the extent of their education,…
Doris ‘Dorie’ Miller Became the First Black American to be Awarded the Navy Cross
Many African Americans fought for their freedom during the Civil War. The Buffalo Soldiers earned fame during the Indian and Spanish-American Wars. Plenty more African-American…
NOAA Launches Search for B-29 Graveyard in the Pacific Ocean
Researchers with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are conducting a search of the Pacific Ocean for what’s been dubbed the largest graveyard of…
Karl Plagge Saved Jewish Lives Ahead of a Camp Liquidation – and Lived
The Second World War saw numerous atrocities committed against a large portion of Europe’s Jewish population. Upon being drafted into the German Army, engineer Karl…