Union Army Sergeant Major Christian Fleetwood Medal of Honor
Born into slavery and later freed, Christian Fleetwood made history as the first African American recipient of the Medal of Honor. During the Battle of Chaffin’s Farm in 1864, Fleetwood…
The Lafayette Escadrille: The American Volunteers Who Flew For France in World War One
As the world plunged into the cataclysmic events of World War I and World War II, nations mobilized their armies, drafted their citizens, and engaged in brutal conflicts. Amidst the…
The Legendary Creation of the GI Joe Toy
Stanley Weston, a licensing agent and entrepreneur, conceived the idea of creating a military-themed action figure. Inspired by the popularity of the 12-inch tall Barbie doll, Weston saw an untapped…
The History of the LAPD SWAT team
Close Quarters Battle (CQB) tactics are a vital component of modern warfare and law enforcement operations. The roots of these tactics can be traced back to the intense combat environments…
Absinthe and the Military A Spirited Connection
Absinthe, a potent and mysterious green liquor with a rich history, has long been associated with the military. Known for its high alcohol content and the legendary “green fairy,” absinthe…
Movie Review Zulu (1964)
“Zulu,” directed by Cy Endfield and starring Michael Caine, is a gripping and powerful historical drama that brings to life the remarkable events of the Battle of Rorke’s Drift during…
Camp X: The Secret History of Canada’s WW2 Spy School
Trainees at Camp X. Camp X was a secret training school and radio communications center that operated in Canada during the Second World War. It was located on the northwestern…
Duško Popov: The Real Life James Bond
Duško Popov was a Yugoslav double agent who worked for both the British and the German intelligence during World War II. He is widely regarded as one of the most…
The Real Ninja: Debunking the Myths of Japan’s Covert Warriors – Part 2
The Hollywood Ninja Myth One of the most common stereotypes in Hollywood movies is the portrayal of ninjas as stealthy assassins who wear black outfits and use exotic weapons. However,…
The Real Ninja: Debunking the Myths of Japan’s Covert Warriors – Part 1
Ninja, also known as shinobi, were covert agents or mercenaries in feudal Japan who specialized in espionage, sabotage, infiltration, assassination and guerrilla warfare. They were often hired by daimyo (feudal…