Military History

Stanislav Petrov and the False Alarm That Nearly Ended the World

Stanislav Petrov ignored a nuclear warning that nearly ended the world. Learn how his judgment in that moment may have prevented a devastating global conflict.

Happy National Crayon Day: Facts, History, and Why Marines Love It

We Marines love a good holiday, especially those of particular significance to our branch of the US Military. And we also love a waxy, delicious, colorful...

How the US Army Inspired the First McDonald’s Drive-Thru

Fast food restaurant drive-thrus date back over a century. But the world’s biggest quick-bite-to-eat chain didn’t start offering service without having to...

Diego Garcia Naval Base: U.S. Control, Operational History, and the Chagos Question

100 Years of Vigil: The History of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Its Guards

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is one of the most moving monuments to those who gave their lives in service of the United States. And American Soldiers have...

Operation New Life: The Largest Evacuation During the Vietnam War

Operation New Life was the largest evacuation of the Vietnam War, moving thousands of refugees to safety. It gave many Vietnamese families a chance at a new...

Operation Babylift: The Race to Save Children Before Saigon Fell

Operation Babylift raced against time in 1975 to evacuate over 3,000 Vietnamese children before Saigon fell. The mission changed lives during the war’s final...

Erin Go Brag: The History of St Patrick’s Day and Irish Immigrants in the US Military

A look at the contributions of Irish citizens and immigrants to the United States Armed Forces.

The U.S. Coast Guard in War: History, Authority, and the Question of Transfer

Can the President transfer the Coast Guard to the Navy? An explainer on the law, the history - from Munro to IRAQI FREEDOM - and what Coastie families should...

Rock Apes of Vietnam: The Jungle Legend of the Vietnam War

During the Vietnam War, soldiers reported strange encounters with the Rock Apes of Vietnam. Explore the stories that may explain these jungle sightings.

The Real Story of “Rock the Casbah”: A Song About Iran—Not War

Many Veterans heard “Rock the Casbah” during the Gulf War. Few realized the Clash hit grew out of Iran’s crackdown on Western popular music after the 1979...

Calvin Leon Graham: The Preteen Who Joined the Navy in WWII

Meet Calvin Leon Graham, the 12-year-old who enlisted in the U.S. Navy and fought in WWII. His story remains one of the most remarkable in military history.

Operation Teardrop: The WWII Mission to Protect New York

In 1945, Operation Teardrop sent the U.S. Navy across the Atlantic to stop German submarines carrying V-1 rockets. Learn more about how the Navy intercepted...

Military Barbie Dolls: A Look at Barbie’s Time in Uniform

From dream houses to mini military bases, see how military Barbie dolls inspired kids to step into leadership and adventure.

WWII Foo Fighters: The Strange Lights That Followed Allied Pilots

During WWII, pilots reported mysterious glowing lights called WWII Foo Fighters. Read through the interesting and strange sightings that puzzled Allied airmen.

“The Rockets’ Red Glare:” How a Battle Inspired a Lawyer to Write “The Star Spangled Banner”

After watching the Royal Navy bombard a Baltimore fort all night, an awestruck Francis Scott Key saw the American flag rise and hastily penned a famous poem.