All articles tagged with #military history
Record-low Danube levels in Budapest revealed a near‑intact Wehrmacht DKW NZ 350‑1 motorcycle from World War II, buried in the river mud with other munitions; experts at Hungary's Institute of Military History call it a once‑in‑a‑century discovery, noting the Danube may have been used to dump war relics.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began in 2022 and has now surpassed World War I in duration, yet the wars differ: WWI featured broad mobilization and Western backing for Russia, while the Ukraine war has limited allies and a Kremlin-controlled home front. Ukrainian intelligence estimates about mid-2026 place roughly 1.8–2.0 million Russian soldiers who have fought in Ukraine, with around 1.2 million killed or wounded—a high casualty rate relative to those who served, but a much smaller share of Russia’s population than WWI’s. Technologically, Ukraine leads in data fusion and drones, while Russia still relies on legacy weapons and Iranian-made drones. The piece notes potential precursors to upheaval in Russia but argues a 1917-scale revolution remains unlikely, even as the war exposes governance, economic, and modernization vulnerabilities.
Radiocarbon dating of 43 helmets recovered off Benicarló, Spain in 1990 shows they date to the late 14th to early 15th centuries, not Roman times, indicating medieval production and a complex arms-trade network along the Valencian coast—the largest known medieval helmet hoard in the western Mediterranean.
Ira 'Ike' Schab, a 105-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor and WWII Navy veteran, passed away peacefully at home. He was among the last survivors of the attack, which led the U.S. into WWII. Schab served in the Navy during the attack, later worked on the Apollo space program, and was dedicated to honoring his fellow servicemen until his death.
King Charles III dedicated the UK's first national memorial to LGBTQ+ troops at the National Memorial Arboretum, honoring those affected by the historic ban on homosexuality in the military, and acknowledging the struggles and sacrifices of gay and transgender service members.
Analysis of the health of Napoleon's soldiers reveals that diseases, along with cold, starvation, and exhaustion, played a significant role in the high casualties during the 1812 Russian campaign.
Retired Lt. Col. George Hardy, the last surviving combat pilot of the Tuskegee Airmen from World War II and the youngest at 19, has died at age 100. He was a pioneering Black military pilot who flew 21 missions over Germany and served in three wars, symbolizing resilience and the fight against racism. His legacy is celebrated for courage and perseverance, contributing significantly to military integration.
President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order to rename the Defense Department as the Department of War, reviving a historical name and reflecting a shift in military branding, with the last change occurring in 1949.
As the 80th anniversary of WWII's end approaches, only a few Japanese veterans remain to share their experiences, warning younger generations about the horrors and sacrifices of war, and emphasizing the importance of peace and remembrance.
Jake Larson, a WWII veteran and social media personality known as 'Papa Jake', who shared his D-Day experiences and captivated millions with his stories, has died at age 102. He served in the U.S. Army, participated in the Normandy invasion, and gained a large following on TikTok and YouTube for his storytelling. His granddaughter announced his peaceful passing, celebrating his life and legacy.
A military parade in Washington D.C. celebrating the Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with President Trump's 79th birthday, features tanks, soldiers, flyovers, and parachute jumps, costing up to $45 million. Military historian Richard Kohn discusses the message this display sends to the world and its implications.
Bob Fernandez, a Pearl Harbor survivor who lived to be 100 years old, has passed away. Fernandez was a teenager when he experienced the attack on Pearl Harbor, a pivotal event in World War II. His life and experiences serve as a testament to a significant period in military history.
NASA scientists accidentally discovered the abandoned Cold War-era U.S. military base, Camp Century, buried under Greenland's ice sheet using advanced radar technology. Originally built in 1959 as part of Project Iceworm to explore missile launch sites, the base was abandoned in 1967 and has since been buried under ice. The new radar images provide unprecedented detail of the base's structures, raising concerns about potential exposure of buried waste due to climate change-induced ice melting.
NASA scientists have rediscovered Camp Century, a defunct Cold War-era U.S. military base buried beneath Greenland's ice sheet, using advanced radar technology. Originally built in 1959 as part of Project Iceworm to house nuclear missile launch sites, the base was abandoned in 1967 due to ice instability. The recent radar mapping revealed detailed 3D structures of the base, which lies over 100 feet below the ice surface. This discovery provides insights into the ice sheet's dynamics and potential future exposure of the base's hazardous waste.
The Army Black Knights have unveiled new uniforms for the upcoming Army-Navy game, honoring the 101st Airborne Division's legacy during World War II's Battle of the Bulge. The uniforms pay tribute to the division's resilience and significant role in the war, as the Army team aims to continue their winning streak against Navy in this historic rivalry.