“The Great Imposter,” Fred Demara’s greatest con, may have been successfully impersonating a naval surgeon aboard a Canadian warship
Ferdinand “Fred” Waldo Demara Jr. became famous for a series of extraordinary deceptions that earned him the nickname “the Great Impostor.” Over the course of…
An American reporter accidentally leaked a WWII secret… But the enemy never saw it
The Battle of Midway is widely regarded as the moment the United States seized the strategic initiative in the Pacific, dealing a devastating blow to…
Where did these 9 military superstitions come from, and why do people still believe in them?
Members of the United States Armed Forces are known for their commitment to their missions and their willingness to accept significant risks in support of…
Smoky: The Yorkshire terrier who joined the US Army during World War II and survived over 150 air raids
Dogs have served alongside military forces for centuries, and their contributions are often associated with larger breeds such as German Shepherds. A four-pound Yorkshire Terrier,…
The US Camel Corps was a strange experiment that saw camels imported to America to be used for military operations
On May 10, 1855, Jefferson Davis issued what is often regarded as one of the most bizarre orders in the history of the U.S. Army.…
During World War I, cats held many important roles in trenches, on ships, and everywhere in between
During World War I, cats served a purpose that went well beyond companionship. Found throughout trenches, camps, and supply depots, they were valued for their…
The USS Wake (PR-3) started as a US Navy gunboat, but was used by three different countries during her service life
Though not a large warship, the USS Wake (PR-3) earned a distinctive place in naval history. After entering service in 1927, the gunboat passed through…
Teddy Roosevelt tried to organize and lead a unit of volunteers to fight against German troops during the First World War
Although the United States did not formally enter World War I until April 1917, Theodore Roosevelt had already been urging American participation in the conflict.…
The future of Britain’s Special Air Service (SAS) was in jeopardy until the assassination of John F. Kennedy
Major events in history rarely end when the immediate incident is over. Triumphs and tragedies alike often produce far-reaching consequences, triggering developments that can be…
After being rejected by the Army, the M50 Ontos impressed the US Marine Corps enough for them to use it in Vietnam
In the early 1950s, the United States military began exploring the idea of a lightweight tank destroyer that could be delivered by air to the…
Queen Elizabeth II’s military service during World War II made her the first British royal woman in uniform since Queen Boudica
Public perceptions of the British Royal Family have often been shaped by questions about how connected its members are to the lives of ordinary people.…
The German city of Konstanz was able to avoid the worst of the Allies’ bombing campaigns because it disguised itself as a Swiss town
Throughout World War II, the threat of aerial bombardment was a persistent reality, with many European cities facing repeated nighttime attacks intended to catch defenders…