The AC-47 was a powerful flying fortress that quickly became known as ‘Puff, the Magic Dragon’ in Vietnam
The 1960s folk song “Puff, the Magic Dragon“ became wildly popular thanks to Peter, Paul, and Mary—but during the Vietnam War, the name took on…
Hidden military bases around the world: What secrets do these facilities hold?
James Bond films are famous for their over-the-top villains and the dramatic, high-tech hideouts they operate from—hidden deep in mountains, buried beneath deserts, or perched…
President Theodore Roosevelt’s sons enlisted during World War I, but one never made it back it home
Several U.S. presidents proudly served in the military, with 31 serving in the armed forces before taking office. For many, their commitment to duty inspired…
Fidel Castro kept the body of an American airman on ice after the failed Bay of Pigs Invasion
In 1961, during the Bay of Pigs Invasion, the U.S. covertly deployed members of the Alabama Air National Guard to assist in the mission. Their…
A nearly impossible feat: How an F-15 Eagle managed an air-to-air kill on a Mi-24 helicopter
During the Gulf War, intense air battles broke out between Coalition and Iraqi forces as part of a massive aerial offensive. Between January 17 and…
An injury forced George Kennedy to end his 16-year military career, but then he found success in Hollywood
Oscar-winning actor George Kennedy became well known for his portrayals of tough, no-nonsense characters in both movies and television. His commanding presence on screen was…
A fellow comrade betrayed Sgt. Richard Fitzgibbon Jr. during the Vietnam War, resulting in his death
The exact beginning of the Vietnam War is still a topic of debate. Some trace it back as far as 1887, when France took control…
The First Special Service Force was known as the ‘Devil’s Brigade’ for intimidating German forces
During World War II, Special Forces units helped shape the future of elite military operations. One standout example was the First Special Service Force (1SSF),…
Medal of Honor recipient Robert L. Howard is the most decorated Green Beret in American history
Robert L. Howard, a dedicated member of the U.S. Army Special Forces, served an incredible 54 months in Vietnam and survived 14 separate combat wounds.…
An American writer was punished harshly for joining the resistance against the Führer in Germany
During World War II and the years leading up to it, Resistance movements formed across Europe in response to Nazi occupation and control. These brave…
The Battle of Okinawa lasted 82 days and became the bloodiest battle in the Pacific Theater
The Battle of Okinawa began just weeks before Germany’s surrender and marked the final major battle in the Pacific during World War II. It was…
US Army Rangers and Green Berets: The significant differences between these special operations forces
The goal of comparing a U.S. Army Ranger to a Green Beret isn’t to decide which one is better—both are elite units that represent the…