On this day in 1918, a United States Army Air Service pilot engages in an action that would earn him a Distinguished Service Cross. William “Bill” Vail was then flying a Spad fighter plane over the skies of France.   His action was one of the final aerial battles of World War I.   What must it have been like for those early pilots, flying in open-air biplanes, even as they fought off German fighters?   First Lt. Vail was on patrol with another pilot that day. He and Lt. Josia

This day in 1918, then-Corporal Alvin York distinguishes himself for bravery in a battle near Chatel-Chehery, France. The one-time...

On this day in 1918, a hero engages in an action that would earn him the Medal of Honor. September 29 also happened to be Milo Lemert’s...

On this day in 1918, the Meuse-Argonne offensive of World War I begins. Allied forces were determined to push the Germans out of France...

On or around this day in 1916, a mixed-breed terrier is born. The little dog would go on to become an American war hero—and the U.S. 1st...

On this day in 1918, Lt. Douglas Campbell becomes the first all-American flying ace. Despite this feat and despite his service with...

On this day in 1918, Americans launch an attack at Cantigny, France.  That World War I conflict is notable, in part, because it marked an...

At about this time in 1919, a hero receives the Medal of Honor.  Actually, he didn’t earn just one Medal, he earned two for the same...

On this day in 1918, a member of the United States military, wearing an American uniform and acting under American colors, scores an...

On this day in 1901, Frank Woodruff Buckles is born. He became best known for his longevity: He was the last living American veteran of...

On this day in 1941, a heroine passes away. Lenah Higbee is best known as the first woman to receive the Navy Cross; it was awarded for...

On this day in 1943, a hero passes away. Patrick J. Regan received a Medal of Honor for his bravery in World War I, yet his name has been...

On this day in 1918, a hero engages in an action that would earn him the Medal of Honor. Thomas Neibaur was the first Latter Day Saint to...

On this day in 1927, the United States Marine Corps adopts a mascot: the English bulldog. Did you ever wonder why Marines are sometimes...

On this day in 1919, a heroine leaves the Army Nurse Corps and returns to private life. Helen Grace McClelland was one of just three...

During this week in 1919, a parade welcomes the New York National Guard home from World War I. Among the American heroes recognized that...

On this day in 1917, the destroyer USS Jacob Jones is torpedoed as she travels near the Isles of Scilly. Jacob Jones would be the first...

On this day in 1921, an unidentified soldier from World War I was interred in a Tomb—the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. President Warren...

On this day in 1918, two heroes engage in an action that would earn each the Medal of Honor. Pfc. Jesse Funk and Pfc. Charles Barger were...

On this day in 1918, a hero engages in an action that would earn him the Medal of Honor. William “Wild Bill” Donovan had already earned...