On this day in 1944, a U.S. Army nurse pens a letter to the American G.I. Frances Slanger’s words would ultimately be published as an editorial in the Stars and Stripes newspaper. It meant the world to our boys! “These Soldiers had been fighting every day since they landed,” historian Bob Welch writes. “They had lost their sense of humanity, lost most of their sense of dignity, and lost their sense of hope. Suddenly, along came this nurse who wrote this letter . . . and

On this day in 1980, a hero passes away. William Soderman’s hometown of West Haven, Connecticut, had long known him as a quiet, hardworking man who would “always see a task through to the end.” That determination would turn him into a one-man army at the Battle of the Bulge. Would you believe that Soderman took on multiple German tanks, single-handedly?! The move earned him a Medal of Honor. Pfc. Soderman’s heroism came near Rocherath, Belgium on the night of December 17-

On this day in 1787, an author writing under the pseudonym “Brutus” writes his first contribution to the anti-Federalist Papers. These papers argued against the new Constitution, then being considered for ratification by the states. Many scholars believe that “Brutus” was actually Robert Yates, a judge in New York who had served as a (displeased) delegate to the Constitutional Convention. “Brutus” eventually wrote 16 essays that would be published in New York-area newspapers.

On this day in 1921, a future flying Ace is born in Watertown, Massachusetts. Fred Christensen’s love of flying started early, when a friend’s father took him up in a plane as a teenager. “From a very early age,” his daughter Diane would explain years later, “he did anything he could to get to the airport or befriend those at school whose dads had planes. As children, we thought he could fly without wings.” Christensen joined the Army soon after the Japanese attack on Pea

On this day in 1941, USS Kearny participates in an emergency rescue mission—and it would be attacked by the Germans. But wasn’t the United States neutral in World War II at that juncture? The attack on Pearl Harbor and declarations of war on Japan and Germany were still nearly two months away. Believe it or not, several American vessels clashed with the Germans in those months. As early as April 1941, USS Niblack was dropping depth charges to ward off a potential German U-b

On this day in 1778, the Affair at Little Egg Harbor occurs near the coast of New Jersey. Unfortunately, “affair” is too kind of a word. It was more like a massacre. Little Egg Harbor was a base for American privateers during the Revolution. These privateers would capture British transport ships, then take the captured cargoes inland. Some cargo was sold. At times, supplies intended for the British army made their way to Washington’s troops instead. British Sir Henry Clin

On this day in 1780, a band of Loyalists is defeated at the lesser-known Battle of Shallow Ford. It was the second Patriot victory...

On this day in 1917, a future Medal of Honor recipient is born. Truman Olson would go on to become one of the heroes of the bloody and...

At about this time in 1944, Barbara Miller Finch makes history as the U.S. Navy’s first female war correspondent. Naturally, she wasn’t going to be satisfied with simple credentials. She was bound and determined to convince the Navy that she could go into a war zone, too. The Navy wasn’t then too keen on giving credentials to female war correspondents. “She spends a good part of her time trying to convince the Navy that she is a reporter, not just a woman,” the Los Angele

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 2023, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer is commissioned. USS Jack H Lucas is named for the youngest...

On or around this day in 1777, George Washington’s spy ring in Pennsylvania gets to work. Maybe you’ve heard of Revolutionary-era spies...

On this day in 2010, a hero receives the Medal of Honor. Robert James Miller is credited with singlehandedly saving 7 members of his team...

On this day in 1993, the Battle of Mogadishu begins. It wasn’t supposed to be a full-fledged battle. It was supposed to be a quick...

On this day in 1835, the Texas Revolution begins! Did you know that the first battle was fought because Texans decided that the Mexicans...

On this day in 1943, a future Medal of Honor recipient is born. Allan Kellogg would go on to become a United States Marine, serving in...

On this day in 1780, a group of Patriots crosses the Pee Dee River and camps in the swamps of eastern South Carolina. They’d just routed...

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 this day in 1740, a future Revolutionary War hero is born. Hercules Mulligan was once a little-known Patriot, but the Broadway musical...