Military History

“I Do Solemnly Swear…”: The Constitutional Oath That Outlasts Every Administration

Whether enlisted or commissioned, every American service member since 1962 has pledged to protect and defend the Constitution, continuing a legacy that began...

Mischief to Boost Morale: The Esther Williams Trophy, Crossing the Line, and Other Navy Traditions

What do a Hollywood starlet, garbage chutes, and "squeegee sharpeners" have in common? Dive into the gritty, hilarious history of U.S. Navy pranks and...

The Korean War's Uneven Integration: What the Record Says and What Veterans Remember

Discover how the "Forgotten War" became the true catalyst for U.S. military desegregation. Explore the untold stories of Black Korean War Veterans.

Pilots First, Astronauts Second: The Military Service of the Apollo 11 Astronauts

The Apollo 11 astronauts were all military pilots before they joined NASA. Learn more about NASA’s long history of collaboration with the U.S. military.

What History Books Often Leave Out About the Battle of Greasy Grass

Marking 150 years since the Battle of the Greasy Grass, learn the historical records and Native perspectives. Explore the people and stories that shaped its...

The Mysterious and Fascinating History of the Military Challenge Coin

The Chicken-Powered Nuke: Inside Britain's Bizarre Cold War Secret

Discover the bizarre true story of Project Blue Peacock, a top-secret 1950s British plan to use live chickens to power nuclear landmines during the Cold War.

The Whisky War: 49 Years of Good-Natured, Bloodless Conflict

War, in general, may be hell. But every now and then, humankind stumbles into a war that’s uniquely charming. Welcome to the Whisky War between Canada and...

The Hello Girls of WWI Were More Than Just Telephone Operators

The Hello Girls of WWI played a key role in military communications during the war. Their fight for Veteran status continued long after the war ended.

The Exploding Rats of WWII: How a Failed Sabotage Plot Sparked Nazi Panic

IEDs in the form of rat carcasses were one of the most unusual weapons of WWII, and were more effective because they didn’t explode.

From Purple Heart Lane to Bloody Gulch: The Brutal Battle of Carentan

After D-Day, the 101st Airborne faced a brutal fight for Carentan. Explore the history of Purple Heart Lane, Bloody Gulch, and Cole's Charge.

The Battle of Bunker Hill: The Defeat That Convinced America It Could Win

The Battle of Bunker Hill proved to the British that the Americans could fight, and to the Americans that independence was winnable.

The Full Story of the US Army Birthday: 1775 to Today

Did you know the US Army was founded a year before America itself? Explore the complete history and origins of the United States Army.

How Coca-Cola Became a Taste of Home on the Front Lines During WWII

Long before it became a global icon, Coca-Cola found a special place among American troops in World War II. Learn why Coca-Cola became a wartime favorite.

Think You Know WWII? 7 D-Day Facts & the History Behind Them

How the Medal of Honor Evolved Into America's Highest Military Award

Discover the rich history of the Medal of Honor, from its Civil War origins to today's strict criteria for America's highest military decoration.