After the USS R-14’s engines failed and the radio died, the crew had to come up with an unconventional solution: Using improvised sails to get the submarine back to land
By today’s standards, a World War I–era submarine would seem outdated—and even a century ago, the idea of one moving under sail would have sounded…
Director John Ford was critical of John Wayne for not enlisting in WWII and embarrassed him on the set of ‘They Were Expendable’
John Wayne stands as one of the most recognizable figures in American film history. Throughout his long and prolific career, he appeared in countless classics…
When President Lincoln was unexpectedly assassinated, experts carefully examined the items he carried with him that fateful night to learn more about his character
On the night of April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth, an actor with Confederate sympathies, while watching a performance…
What makes a true leader? Take some lessons from history’s greatest military commanders
True leadership goes far beyond holding a title or position of authority. While anyone can occupy a role, effective leaders distinguish themselves through vision, resilience,…
Inspired to enlist following the events of 9/11, Pat Tillman left the NFL behind and served in Iraq and Afghanistan, sacrificing his life for his country
At the height of a successful NFL career, Pat Tillman made a life-altering choice in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Motivated by…
An invasion similar to D-Day was planned for Japan to end the war in the Pacific, but Allied forces never had to implement it
As World War II neared its end, the United States formulated a bold initiative called Operation Downfall—a massive, two-part invasion intended to force Japan into…
Because of the uncertainty surrounding the Vietnam War’s exact start date, fallen soldiers like Richard Fitzgibbon Jr. weren’t recognized as official war fatalities
Historians continue to debate the precise beginning of the Vietnam War. Some point to 1887, when Vietnam became part of French Indochina, while others mark…
NFL players who left football behind and tragically died in the line of duty
Throughout history, several NFL players have traded their team jerseys for military uniforms, answering a call far different from the roar of stadium crowds. These…
Richard Marcinko was the founding leader of SEAL Team Six but his acclaimed military career spiraled when he was convicted of conspiracy
Richard Marcinko’s story began in the small town of Lansford, Pennsylvania, born to immigrant parents from Croatia and Slovakia. His early life was unremarkable—until at…
After the tragic death of Staff Sgt. Joseph Villaseno, his parents were touched when a kind stranger’s actions comforted them in their grief
After the heartbreaking loss of their son, Staff Sgt. Joseph Villasenor, in a tragic car accident, Rachel and Raymond Villasenor often visited his grave to…
World War II-Era German Bunker Found Beneath Couple’s Home
Carrie and Shaun Tullier have a house with probably the best foundations on Guernsey, in the Channel Islands. It starts with a two-meter-thick slab of…
With his uniform soaked in fuel following and IED blast, Alwyn Cashe made multiple trips to a burning vehicle to rescue his comrades and sacrificed his own life in the process
The Medal of Honor stands as the U.S. Army’s highest tribute to valor in combat, and Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe earned this distinction through…