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Today in 1944, U.S. troops liberate Saint-Lô. After two weeks of bombing and ground combat, up to 95 per cent of the city lies in ruins. Together with the capture of Caen by British and Canadian forces, the stage is set for Operation Cobra and the Allied breakout from Normandy.

Today in 1944, U.S. troops liberate Saint-Lô. After two weeks of bombing and ground combat, up to 95 per cent of the city lies in ruins. Together with the capture of Caen by British and Canadian forces, the stage is set for Operation Cobra and the Allied breakout from Normandy.

31,184 views

On this day in 2026, the editor of MHN blew off work and watched 'Last of the Mohicans.'

On this day in 2026, the editor of MHN blew off work and watched 'Last of the Mohicans.'

483,625 views

Today in 1943, the Red Army launches a counteroffensive against German forces near Kursk at Prokhorovka. With more than 600 Soviet tanks and self-propelled guns in action against nearly 300 Panzers, the battle will be remembered as one of the largest armoured clashes in history.

Today in 1943, the Red Army launches a counteroffensive against German forces near Kursk at Prokhorovka. With more than 600 Soviet tanks and self-propelled guns in action against nearly 300 Panzers, the battle will be remembered as one of the largest armoured clashes in history.

98,886 views

On this day in 1942, U.S. warships ambush a Japanese task force at Midway. Japan loses four carriers and nearly 250 warplanes in the ensuing battle. It's a turning point in the Pacific War.

On this day in 1942, U.S. warships ambush a Japanese task force at Midway. Japan loses four carriers and nearly 250 warplanes in the ensuing battle. It's a turning point in the Pacific War.

556,196 views

Today in 1987, an 18-year-old from West Germany named Mathias Rust penetrates Soviet air defences and lands a Cessna 172 in Moscow's Red Square. The stunt, an epic humiliation for the Soviet military, earns the teen worldwide fame, as well as a 14-month stay in a Russian prison.

Today in 1987, an 18-year-old from West Germany named Mathias Rust penetrates Soviet air defences and lands a Cessna 172 in Moscow's Red Square. The stunt, an epic humiliation for the Soviet military, earns the teen worldwide fame, as well as a 14-month stay in a Russian prison.

540,112 views

On this day in 1970, the WW2 action comedy 'Kelly's Heroes' premieres. Starring Clint Eastwood, Telly Savalas, Donald Sutherland and Don Rickles, the movie follows a platoon of misfit GIs who set out to rob a bank full of Nazi gold. Any fans? More importantly, any haters?

On this day in 1970, the WW2 action comedy 'Kelly's Heroes' premieres. Starring Clint Eastwood, Telly Savalas, Donald Sutherland and Don Rickles, the movie follows a platoon of misfit GIs who set out to rob a bank full of Nazi gold. Any fans? More importantly, any haters?

177,114 views

In 1914, Britain devised a novel plan to take on Germany's U-boat fleet: Q-ships. These were armed vessels disguised as ordinary freighters and crewed by Royal Navy sailors dressed in civilian clothes. When a German sub surfaced to engage the target and demand the crew abandon ship, the Q-ships would reveal batteries of hidden guns and open fire at point-blank range. To further the ruse, members of the Q-ship's crew, known as the "panic party," would clumsily lower lifeboats and row away in a mock display of terror before the trap was sprung. For a time, the Q-ship program was effective. More than 350 were deployed over the course of the conflict, ultimately sinking 14 German subs. But the success didn't last. By posing as civilian merchants to ambush submarines, Q-ships provoked Germany into abandoning international maritime laws and sinking all merchant vessels without warning.

In 1914, Britain devised a novel plan to take on Germany's U-boat fleet: Q-ships. These were armed vessels disguised as ordinary freighters and crewed by Royal Navy sailors dressed in civilian clothes. When a German sub surfaced to engage the target and demand the crew abandon ship, the Q-ships would reveal batteries of hidden guns and open fire at point-blank range. To further the ruse, members of the Q-ship's crew, known as the "panic party," would clumsily lower lifeboats and row away in a mock display of terror before the trap was sprung. For a time, the Q-ship program was effective. More than 350 were deployed over the course of the conflict, ultimately sinking 14 German subs. But the success didn't last. By posing as civilian merchants to ambush submarines, Q-ships provoked Germany into abandoning international maritime laws and sinking all merchant vessels without warning.

119,125 views

On this day in 1975, Saigon falls to communist forces. It's the end of the 'Ten-Thousand-Day War' in Vietnam. #OTD #History

On this day in 1975, Saigon falls to communist forces. It's the end of the 'Ten-Thousand-Day War' in Vietnam. #OTD #History

402,509 views

"Where you from, son?" "Madison City, Missouri, sir!" "Never heard of it." 'The Dirty Dozen, starring Lee Marvin, Charles Bronson, Telly Savalas and Donald Sutherland in his first major movie role, was released on this day in 1967.

"Where you from, son?" "Madison City, Missouri, sir!" "Never heard of it." 'The Dirty Dozen, starring Lee Marvin, Charles Bronson, Telly Savalas and Donald Sutherland in his first major movie role, was released on this day in 1967.

161,356 views

On this day in 1945, Churchill, Truman and Stalin meet near Berlin at Potsdam to map out the post-war world. Despite the show of unity by the 'Big Three', behind the scenes relations between the Western Allies and Moscow are beginning to unravel.

On this day in 1945, Churchill, Truman and Stalin meet near Berlin at Potsdam to map out the post-war world. Despite the show of unity by the 'Big Three', behind the scenes relations between the Western Allies and Moscow are beginning to unravel.

15,405 views

Today in 1982, British paras and commandos mount a successful attack on a fortified Argentine airfield at Goose Green in the Falklands. Casualties are heavy. Among the fallen is the commander of the assault, Lt-Col Herbert Jones. He will receive the Victoria Cross posthumously.

Today in 1982, British paras and commandos mount a successful attack on a fortified Argentine airfield at Goose Green in the Falklands. Casualties are heavy. Among the fallen is the commander of the assault, Lt-Col Herbert Jones. He will receive the Victoria Cross posthumously.

226,486 views

This week in 2001, the movie 'Pearl Harbor' was released. To mark the occasion, we decided to share footage of the 1970 epic 'Tora! Tora! Tora!' instead.

This week in 2001, the movie 'Pearl Harbor' was released. To mark the occasion, we decided to share footage of the 1970 epic 'Tora! Tora! Tora!' instead.

209,491 views

On this day in 1945, Hitler's collapsing Third Reich launches a final salvo of V-2 rockets at Great Britain. One slams into London's East End killing 134; another explodes in a suburb of the city and claims one life.

On this day in 1945, Hitler's collapsing Third Reich launches a final salvo of V-2 rockets at Great Britain. One slams into London's East End killing 134; another explodes in a suburb of the city and claims one life.

334,978 views

There may actually be people out there who don't love The Great Escape, but I haven't met any. The fictionalized account of the real-life Allied POW breakout from Stalag Luft III premiered in London on this day in 1963. Featuring Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, Charles Bronson, James Coburn and Donald Pleasence, and propelled by Elmer Bernstein's iconic score, it remains one of the most beloved war films ever made.

There may actually be people out there who don't love The Great Escape, but I haven't met any. The fictionalized account of the real-life Allied POW breakout from Stalag Luft III premiered in London on this day in 1963. Featuring Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, Charles Bronson, James Coburn and Donald Pleasence, and propelled by Elmer Bernstein's iconic score, it remains one of the most beloved war films ever made.

83,877 views

Today in 1989, Romania erupts in rebellion after a Bucharest crowd openly jeers the despot Nicolae Ceaușescu during a nationally televised speech. The uprising, which began days earlier in the city of Timișoara, quickly topples the regime and sees the dictator executed on Dec 25

Today in 1989, Romania erupts in rebellion after a Bucharest crowd openly jeers the despot Nicolae Ceaușescu during a nationally televised speech. The uprising, which began days earlier in the city of Timișoara, quickly topples the regime and sees the dictator executed on Dec 25

466,792 views

Today in 1969, soldiers of the American 101st Airborne assault Hill 937 aka "Hamburger Hill." It takes them 10 days to fight their way to the top. More than 400 U.S. troops become casualties. "That hill had no military value," said the commander of the 101st. "We found the enemy [there] and that's where we fought him."

Today in 1969, soldiers of the American 101st Airborne assault Hill 937 aka "Hamburger Hill." It takes them 10 days to fight their way to the top. More than 400 U.S. troops become casualties. "That hill had no military value," said the commander of the 101st. "We found the enemy [there] and that's where we fought him."

163,643 views

A 1945 U.S. Army newsreel shows a Sherman tank adorned with a human skull during the Okinawa campaign. The military prohibited the taking of enemy body parts as war trophies in January 1944. The directive was poorly enforced.

A 1945 U.S. Army newsreel shows a Sherman tank adorned with a human skull during the Okinawa campaign. The military prohibited the taking of enemy body parts as war trophies in January 1944. The directive was poorly enforced.

158,073 views

"It's 5 o'clock somewhere." Two U.S. Maines enjoy an impromptu happy hour on Guam, July 1944.

"It's 5 o'clock somewhere." Two U.S. Maines enjoy an impromptu happy hour on Guam, July 1944.

26,689 views

Who's up for some North African-style Panzer Fried Eggs?

Who's up for some North African-style Panzer Fried Eggs?

83,430 views

On this day in 1942, the Grumman F6F Hellcat makes its maiden flight. More than 12,000 will be built before the end of WW2. Hellcats will down more than 5,000 enemy planes, making it the most effective naval fighter of the era.

On this day in 1942, the Grumman F6F Hellcat makes its maiden flight. More than 12,000 will be built before the end of WW2. Hellcats will down more than 5,000 enemy planes, making it the most effective naval fighter of the era.

38,226 views

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Believe it or not, but you're looking at a clip from a 1967 U.S. Navy training film entitled 'How To Succeed With Brunettes.' The 16-minute movie offers dating tips for young officers (and gentlemen) and served as a sort of survival guide for inexperienced ensigns.
0:39
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Believe it or not, but you're looking at a clip from a 1967 U.S. Navy training film entitled 'How To Succeed With Brunettes.' The 16-minute movie offers dating tips for young officers (and gentlemen) and served as a sort of survival guide for inexperienced ensigns.

Military History Now

1,127,097 views • 3 days ago

The Siege of Yorktown scene from 'Revolution'. The 1985 Al Pacino epic cost $28 million to produce but only made $300,000 in the U.S. The critical and commercial failure of the film prompted the legendary actor to take a four-year hiatus from making movies.
0:48
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The Siege of Yorktown scene from 'Revolution'. The 1985 Al Pacino epic cost $28 million to produce but only made $300,000 in the U.S. The critical and commercial failure of the film prompted the legendary actor to take a four-year hiatus from making movies.

Military History Now

377,474 views • 14 days ago

The 1993 film 'Geronimo: An American Legend' had a lot going for it: • A stellar cast (Wes Studi, Gene Hackman, Robert Duvall, Jason Patric and Matt Damon); • Great source material; and • Gorgeous visuals (like this clip). But does anyone else find it a bit disappointing in a way you can't quite put your finger on?
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The 1993 film 'Geronimo: An American Legend' had a lot going for it: • A stellar cast (Wes Studi, Gene Hackman, Robert Duvall, Jason Patric and Matt Damon); • Great source material; and • Gorgeous visuals (like this clip). But does anyone else find it a bit disappointing in a way you can't quite put your finger on?

Military History Now

41,228 views • 3 days ago

Celebrated Hollywood director William Wyler shot hundreds of hours of footage of the 8th Air Force over Europe for the 1944 War Dept movie 'The Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress.' In 2018, unused digitized portions were pulled together for the documentary 'Cold Blue.'
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Celebrated Hollywood director William Wyler shot hundreds of hours of footage of the 8th Air Force over Europe for the 1944 War Dept movie 'The Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress.' In 2018, unused digitized portions were pulled together for the documentary 'Cold Blue.'

Military History Now

150,459 views • 14 days ago

On this day in 1940, British newsreel cameras atop the Cliffs of Dover capture dramatic footage of a Luftwaffe strike on shipping in the English Channel. The raids, known as the 'Kanalkampf,' are widely regarded as marking the beginning of the Battle of Britain.
0:36
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On this day in 1940, British newsreel cameras atop the Cliffs of Dover capture dramatic footage of a Luftwaffe strike on shipping in the English Channel. The raids, known as the 'Kanalkampf,' are widely regarded as marking the beginning of the Battle of Britain.

Military History Now

109,803 views • 10 days ago

RIGHT NOW in 1815, the first shots of the Battle of Waterloo are being fired. The fighting continues for nine hours and generates 65,000 casualties. When it's over, Napoleon Bonaparte's 'hundred day' comeback is finished. Footage from 'Waterloo' (1970)
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RIGHT NOW in 1815, the first shots of the Battle of Waterloo are being fired. The fighting continues for nine hours and generates 65,000 casualties. When it's over, Napoleon Bonaparte's 'hundred day' comeback is finished. Footage from 'Waterloo' (1970)

Military History Now

269,409 views • 1 month ago

Footage shot on this day in 1944 shows American GIs operating in the hedgerow country near Mont Étenclin (aka Hill 131) in Normandy — along with at least two German POWs who seem rather happy to have been captured.
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Footage shot on this day in 1944 shows American GIs operating in the hedgerow country near Mont Étenclin (aka Hill 131) in Normandy — along with at least two German POWs who seem rather happy to have been captured.

Military History Now

117,133 views • 16 days ago

You're looking at an excerpt from a bizarre Nazi/Vichy propaganda cartoon from 1944 about Allied bombers flown by Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Popeye dropping bombs on French homes. The cartoon was made to convince the population in Nazi-occupied France that Allied liberation would bring destruction rather than freedom. (We're guessing It also violated a bunch of copyrights.)
0:48
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You're looking at an excerpt from a bizarre Nazi/Vichy propaganda cartoon from 1944 about Allied bombers flown by Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Popeye dropping bombs on French homes. The cartoon was made to convince the population in Nazi-occupied France that Allied liberation would bring destruction rather than freedom. (We're guessing It also violated a bunch of copyrights.)

Military History Now

25,586 views • 4 days ago

Today in 1943, 160,000 Allied troops invade Sicily. Within 39 days, all German and Italian forces will be driven from the island. Operation Husky also precipitates the July 25 collapse of Mussolini's fascist govt and sets the stage for the Allied invasion of Italy in September.
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Today in 1943, 160,000 Allied troops invade Sicily. Within 39 days, all German and Italian forces will be driven from the island. Operation Husky also precipitates the July 25 collapse of Mussolini's fascist govt and sets the stage for the Allied invasion of Italy in September.

Military History Now

71,187 views • 11 days ago

Today in 1941, four million German troops launch an invasion of the Soviet Union. Despite initially achieving huge territorial gains and inflicting staggering losses on the Soviet Union, Operation Barbarossa soon stalls and will ultimately prove fatal for the Third Reich.
0:34
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Today in 1941, four million German troops launch an invasion of the Soviet Union. Despite initially achieving huge territorial gains and inflicting staggering losses on the Soviet Union, Operation Barbarossa soon stalls and will ultimately prove fatal for the Third Reich.

Military History Now

142,064 views • 28 days ago

Newsreel footage from 1943 shows the crew of an unnamed U.S. Navy aircraft carrier taking a break from the war for a dip in the South Pacific. A cordon of anti-submarine nets keeps out the sharks. (Source: U.S. National Archives)
0:57
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Newsreel footage from 1943 shows the crew of an unnamed U.S. Navy aircraft carrier taking a break from the war for a dip in the South Pacific. A cordon of anti-submarine nets keeps out the sharks. (Source: U.S. National Archives)

Military History Now

195,559 views • 1 month ago

A Canadian Army training film from 1942 demonstrates the .55 inch Boys anti-tank rifle. The film, entitled 'Stop That Tank,' was produced by none other than Walt Disney.
1:17
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A Canadian Army training film from 1942 demonstrates the .55 inch Boys anti-tank rifle. The film, entitled 'Stop That Tank,' was produced by none other than Walt Disney.

Military History Now

136,286 views • 1 month ago

Footage from April 15, 1968 shows U.S. Army AH-1 Cobra attack choppers flying counter-insurgency missions in South Vietnam's Mekong Delta as part of Operation Snakehunt. (For more about the AH-1 Cobra, click here for a brief history:
0:42
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Footage from April 15, 1968 shows U.S. Army AH-1 Cobra attack choppers flying counter-insurgency missions in South Vietnam's Mekong Delta as part of Operation Snakehunt. (For more about the AH-1 Cobra, click here for a brief history:

Military History Now

20,753 views • 5 days ago

Footage shot on this day in 1944 shows American LVTs engaging Japanese forces on the island of Noemfoor in Dutch New Guinea. The operation, dubbed Cyclone, would secure the island's three Japanese-held airstrips to support the upcoming Allied invasion of the Philippines.
0:34
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Footage shot on this day in 1944 shows American LVTs engaging Japanese forces on the island of Noemfoor in Dutch New Guinea. The operation, dubbed Cyclone, would secure the island's three Japanese-held airstrips to support the upcoming Allied invasion of the Philippines.

Military History Now

68,099 views • 18 days ago

American troops test fire captured Japanese army weaponry at Camp Tarawa, Hawaii, April 1944.
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American troops test fire captured Japanese army weaponry at Camp Tarawa, Hawaii, April 1944.

Military History Now

97,978 views • 28 days ago

Today in 1916, British Empire and French forces launch a major offensive against the German lines along the River Somme. The 140 days of heavy fighting that follow push the Germans back roughly five miles at a cost of a half a million casualties. German losses are nearly 500,000 killed, wounded or missing.
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Today in 1916, British Empire and French forces launch a major offensive against the German lines along the River Somme. The 140 days of heavy fighting that follow push the Germans back roughly five miles at a cost of a half a million casualties. German losses are nearly 500,000 killed, wounded or missing.

Military History Now

68,624 views • 19 days ago

"Up the Rebels. Down the British."
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"Up the Rebels. Down the British."

Military History Now

55,920 views • 16 days ago

It's possible that veterans of the Battle of the Bulge suffered more than other Americans who fought in WW2. First, they had to endure the Ardennes Offensive of 1944, which was bad enough. Then 21 years later, this movie was released...
0:31
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It's possible that veterans of the Battle of the Bulge suffered more than other Americans who fought in WW2. First, they had to endure the Ardennes Offensive of 1944, which was bad enough. Then 21 years later, this movie was released...

Military History Now

173,027 views • 1 month ago

We already mentioned a few hours ago that 'A Bridge Too Far' was released on this day in 1977, but we figured we'd throw in another scene. Enjoy.
0:25
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We already mentioned a few hours ago that 'A Bridge Too Far' was released on this day in 1977, but we figured we'd throw in another scene. Enjoy.

Military History Now

109,208 views • 1 month ago

Today in 1945, a 500-ship U.S. Navy armada opens fire on the Japanese island of Iwo Jima. The bombardment, which precedes amphibious landings by 30,000 Marines, lasts for three days straight. Nearly 20,000 defenders are dug in on the five-mile-long island.
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Today in 1945, a 500-ship U.S. Navy armada opens fire on the Japanese island of Iwo Jima. The bombardment, which precedes amphibious landings by 30,000 Marines, lasts for three days straight. Nearly 20,000 defenders are dug in on the five-mile-long island.

Military History Now

391,841 views • 5 months ago