The NASM (National Air and Space Museum) is a Smithsonian Institute museum dedicated to the history and technology of aviation and spaceflight, one of whose locations is the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, near Dulles Airport. It’s a place that will delight any enthusiast who visits, offering the chance to discover fascinating artifacts like the original […]
Second World War
World War II, also known as the Second World War, was a global war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. The vast majority of the world’s countries—including all the great powers—eventually formed two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis.
Black Panthers: The African American Soldiers of the 761st Tank Battalion Who Fought at the Battle of the Bulge
They made a good first impression, but I have no faith in the inherent fighting ability of the race. This was what General Patton declared after inspecting the 761st Tank Battalion in 1944, on the eve of their baptism of fire. The renowned military leader was merely reflecting the prevailing opinion among U.S. commanders regarding […]
How the Germans Developed and Used the First Operational Jet Bomber in History During World War II
The first operational jet bomber in history was called the Arado Ar 234 Blitz and entered service with the Luftwaffe in 1943 during World War II. It participated in several operations, demonstrating a speed that made it impossible for enemy fighters to intercept. However, it did not have the impact it could have had because […]
The Invasion of Saint Pierre and Miquelon in 1941, the Only Nazi Germany-loyal Territory in North America, Lasted 20 Minutes
Saint Pierre and Miquelon (Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon), a French archipelago of two islands located in North America about twenty-five kilometers off the coast of Newfoundland, is the last remaining vestige of the former Viceroyalty of New France (which encompassed parts of what are now Canada and the United States, such as Quebec and Louisiana). Like other territories, […]
Operation K: The Failed Second Japanese Aerial Attack on Pearl Harbor with Seaplanes, Three Months After the Initial Strike
It is not widely known due to the limited scale of the action and its poor results, but three months after their devastating attack on Pearl Harbor, the Japanese carried out a second raid. The aim was to force the U.S. fleet to venture into open waters and engage in a decisive battle, taking advantage […]
A German Junkers Ju 88 Plane from World War II, Found 51 Meters Deep in the Sea South of Sicily
In a recent discovery that adds yet another piece to the complex mosaic of World War II in the Mediterranean, a Junkers Ju 88 plane was found 51 meters deep on the seabed near the small island of Capo Passero, located at the southern tip of Sicily. This aircraft, identified by its serial number, belonged […]
The Spectacular Fort Built by the Italians Atop Mount Chaberton in the Alps is the Highest in Europe
Located at 3,130 meters above sea level at the summit of Mount Chaberton in the Cerces Massif of the French Alps, the fortified complex known as the Chaberton Battery is the highest military fort in Europe. Built between 1898 and 1910 by the Kingdom of Italy, it played a relevant, though brief, role during World […]
German WWII Soldier’s Grave Found in Poland with Mesolithic Tools, Roman and Byzantine Coins, and Other Artifacts
The Tuchola Forest in northern Poland continues to reveal its secrets as archaeologists explore its vast woods and lakes. A team of archaeologists led by Olaf Popkiewicz made an exceptional discovery near Grzybek, in Wdecki Landscape Park, on the shores of the Żur Reservoir. What began as a routine expedition quickly turned into a surprising […]
Battle of the Alps: The Failed Italian Attempt to Invade Southern France in 1940
At midnight on June 11, 1940, Italy declared war on France. This was something that had been anticipated for some time, despite a certain level of German discontent (Hitler saw the transalpine country as a more effective ally if it remained non-belligerent and feared this could disrupt his peace negotiations with the French and British), […]
The Last Cavalry Charges in History Happened During World War II
Although it seems more characteristic of earlier times, cavalry remained active until the mid-20th century. We’re not referring to the modern concept, in which the name has been adopted by tank and/or attack helicopter units, but to cavalry in the strict sense, where combat was fought on horseback. In fact, cavalry was used more in […]