On this day in 1775, Americans receive a report that the British were working to spread smallpox among their ranks. Was it an early form of biological warfare? Smallpox was a major problem during the American Revolution. The Army Heritage Center Foundation explains: “Because smallpox was common in England, most British soldiers had already been exposed and were immune, but the disease was less common in America and the average Continental Soldier was not.” Interestingly, Geor

On this day in 2005, retired Navy Vice Admiral William “Bill” Lawrence passes away. Decades earlier, Lawrence had been a prisoner of war...

On this day in 1974, Brigadier General Roscoe “Rock” Cartwright is killed in a plane crash. The tragedy came just as Cartwright was...

On this day in 1874, Sir Winston Churchill is born. This adopted American is best known, of course, for serving as Prime Minister of the...

On this day in 1942, Coast Guard Lt. John Pritchard prepares for a rescue mission. The young pilot would miraculously save two men from...

On this day in 1727, a Patriot is born. In later years, some people would think that Artemas Ward was the obvious choice to lead the...

On this day in 1929, a hero is born in Eutaw, Alabama. Matthew Leonard grew up in the midst of the segregated South—but he rose above it....

On this day in 1943, HMT Rohna is attacked. Her demise would be called “World War II’s Secret Tragedy.” More than 1,000 American troops...

On this day in 1944, a U.S. soldier is killed during the Battle of Hürtgen Forest. He’d put his life on the line repeatedly, traversing...

On this day in 1831, future President James Garfield is born on a farm in Ohio. His childhood was spent helping his impoverished mother...

On or around this day in 1861, Julia Ward Howe is inspired to write the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Did you know that this much-loved...

On this day in 1939, a cornerstone is laid for the Jefferson Memorial. Statues of America’s third President have become controversial in...

On this day in 1775, Benedict Arnold launches his first attack on the city of Quebec. It was the culmination of a long, daring trek...

On this day in 1944, survivors of SS Fort Lee are rescued. The American tanker had been torpedoed by a German submarine a full week...

On this day in 1942, a 12-year-old distinguishes himself in combat. Yes, you read that correctly: A 12-year-old fought in World War II....

On this day in 1775, Washington issues a stern rebuke to his soldiers. They were planning to celebrate an anti-Catholic holiday known as...

On this day in 1842, Mary Todd marries Abraham Lincoln, giving almost no notice to her family. Her family was not exactly pleased with...

On this day in 1775, British forces surrender to American Brigadier General Richard Montgomery. They’d been under siege at Fort St. John...

On this day in 1944, American tanker SS Fort Lee is torpedoed by Germans. Our military took risks during World War II, and we often hear...

On this day in 2005, a hero passes away. Many years earlier, then-Private First Class Joseph Rodriguez had made a fearless charge up a...