John Levitow: The Lowest-Ranking US Air Force Airman to Receive the Medal of Honor
John Levitow came from humble beginnings, but achieved great things. By the time he retired from his career with the US Air Force, he was…
Why Was Jimi Hendrix Discharged from the US Army?
Jimi Hendrix died in September 1970, at the young age of 27. He packed quite a legacy into those 27 years, becoming perhaps the greatest…
Did the Term ‘Grunt’ Originate in Vietnam or During WWII?
For decades, infantry soldiers in the US Army and Marine Corps have been called “grunts,” wearing the moniker like a badge of honor. Grunts are…
Wild Weasels Undertake the US Air Force’s Most Dangerous Missions
There is nothing we love more than a good motto! The unofficial slogan for the US Air Force’s Wild Weasel crew is “YGBSM” – an…
F-104 Starfighter: The Lightweight Fighter-Bomber Nicknamed ‘The Widow Maker’
Throughout the 20th century, aviation missions grew much safer. That didn’t mean, however, that some aircraft were more safe than others. Following the Korean War,…
R. Lee Ermey: US Marine Corps Sergeant and Respected Hollywood Actor
R. Lee Ermey may best be known for playing Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket, but he was also a real-life Marine…
The Most Important Battleships in American History
In order to remain a prominent world power in the late 1800s, the US had to keep up with the latest military technology. When South…
16th Combat Aviation Brigade Recreating Army Photos for Black History Month
The 16th Combat Aviation Brigade is using Black History Month to raise awareness about the accomplishments of the African-American service members who fought before them.…
The M79 Grenade Launcher Had Its Benefits and Drawbacks
The M79 grenade launcher was known by many names, including the “Thumper-Gun” and the “Bloop Tube” – Australians even called it the “Wombat Gun.” Resembling…
Bob Hope Dedicated Half a Century to Entertaining Troops With the USO
Being away from home for long periods of time can be demoralizing for troops. With the Second World War continuing to rage in both Europe…
The 5 Deadliest Aircraft Carrier Fighters of All Time
The Italo-Turkish War in 1911-12 was the first to feature aerial bombardments. World War I, which began a few years later, also featured a fair…
Jim Morrison’s Father Played a Role In the Gulf of Tonkin Incident
For hardcore fans of The Doors, it’s relatively well-known that lead singer Jim Morrison‘s father was a flag officer in the US Navy. A lesser-known…