Military History, American History

Learn the history and events that shaped America and the U.S. Military. Find unique facts and personal accounts of wars, battles, famous people, acts of heroism and much more.

Spotlight: Military Heroes

In this Nov. 8, 2013 file photo, Medal of Honor recipient Bob Maxwell, center, salutes at a ceremony at Bend High School in Bend, Ore., where he received a commemorative set of postage stamps honoring the few surviving Medal of Honor recipients from World War II. (Andy Tullis/The Bulletin via AP)

Bob Maxwell, Oldest Medal of Honor Recipient, Dies at 98

U.S. Marine Sgt. Maj Troy E. Black addresses Marines, Sailors and guests during the 1st MLG Relief and Appointment Ceremony aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 7, 2017. (U.S. Marine Corps/Sgt. Zabolotniy, Camp Pendleton)

Next Marine Sergeant Major Ran Across IED-Filled Ground to Reach Fallen Comrade

In this December 2017 photo provided by Beth Regan, Regan speaks to Robert Graham in Cortland, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jim Regan)

Woman Makes Sure Decorated WWII Marine Gets Hero's Farewell

Marines and Sailors salute the headstone of Petty Officer 1st Class William Pinckney while Taps is played at the Beaufort National Cemetery, Feb. 10. (U.S. Navy/Lance Cpl. Christian Moreno)

Navy, Army See Most Valor Medal Upgrades in Pentagon's Review

President Donald Trump awards the Medal of Honor to Master Chief Special Warfare Operator Britt K. Slabinski during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington on May 24, 2018. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

New Policy Will Automatically Review Some Military Valor Medals for Higher Award

President Donald Trump presents the Medal of Honor on March 27, 2019, to Trevor Oliver, son of Army Staff Sgt. Travis Atkins, who died saving his fellow soldiers from a suicide bomber in Iraq. Army photo via Twitter

Trump Presents Medal of Honor to Fallen Hero's Son

Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Karl Schultz poses with Petty Officer Traci Huddleston, first recipient of the Coast Guard Medal for heroism since 2012. (Courtesy USO)

Petty Officer Awarded First Coast Guard Medal Since 2016 for Heroism in Vegas Shooting

Soldiers kneel to pay their respects to Staff Sgt. Travis Atkins, who was killed June 1 by a suicide bomber near Sadr Al-Yusufiyah, Iraq, at a memorial ceremony held June 7, 2007 at Camp Striker. (U.S. Army/Spc. Chris McCann, 2nd BCT PAO)

Split-Second Bravery: Soldiers Recount Fallen Comrade’s Medal of Honor Heroism

While under fire, Maj. Thomas Bostick placed himself in front of an overwhelming enemy force to provide covering fire to enable the paratroopers in his command post to displace to more defensible terrain in Afghanistan. (U.S. Army/ Maj. Chris Bradley)

Army to Award 12 Distinguished Service Crosses in Final Push to Upgrade Medals

Sully H.W. Bush is the newest service dog enlistee at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. (USO)

Service Dog Sully H.W. Bush Enlists at Walter Reed

Staff Sgt. Stevon A. Booker, a 3rd Infantry Division Soldier who was assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, and killed in action in Iraq in 2003, is depicted in a photo illustration alongside the Distinguished Service Cross medal, which he is slated to posthumously receive April 5, 2019, for his heroic actions during Operation Iraqi Freedom. (U.S. Army photo illustration by Master Sgt. Shelia L. Cooper)

Soldier Killed in Baghdad Invasion Will Receive Distinguished Service Cross

Members of the 173rd Airborne Brigade unveil a plaque and officially name Froward Operating Base Bostick in honor of Maj. Thomas G. Bostick, killed in action in 2007 while commanding Bulldog Troop, 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment. (Chris Bradley/Army)

Sky Soldier's Silver Star to Be Upgraded to Distinguished Service Cross

World War I

World War I: Overview

U.S. Army Soldiers in Germany during World War I

World War I: The Question of Blame

From Waterloo to the Marne: The Road to World War I

Shells on the front lines during World War I

World War I: Schlieffen and His Plan

Origins of the July Crisis: Lighting the Fuse

18 Photos That Show How Great-Grandpa Got Ready for WWI

Family of World War I veteran George Stevens

Smithsonian Unearthing Stories of First World War's Native Americans

General John J. "Black Jack" Pershing, second from right, commanded the American Expeditionary Forces that fought in France during World War I. (US Army photo)

World War I Commemoration will Take Fresh Look at Gen. Pershing

Alvin York: Veteran's Story

John Henderson: Veteran's Story

Captain Sylvester Butler and fellow soldiers

Sylvester Butler: Veteran's Story

Lloyd Staley: Veteran's Story

Famous Veterans

In Remembrance: 10 Famous Veterans Who Passed in 2016

Seven Famous Women Veterans

Famous Veteran: Morgan Freeman

Famous Veterans: Chuck Norris

Famous Veterans: Mr. T

Famous Veteran: Bob Ross

Famous Veterans: Clint Eastwood

Gene Hackman in the "French Connection."

Famous Veteran: Gene Hackman

Famous Veteran: Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger

Famous Veteran: Leonard Nimoy

Famous Veterans: Ernest Borgnine

Famous Veterans: Jeff Bridges

Entertainment

Memorial Day 2019

Mlitary.com honors and remembers the fallen.

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History Quizzes

Military Aircraft Identification Quiz

Think you're a Top Gun at aircraft identification? We've created a quiz to test your ability to recognize military aircraft.

Air Force History Quiz

In honor of the Air Force's birthday, we've put together this Air Force history quiz. Test your knowledge!

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Audrey Griffith, left, and Spc. Heidi Gerke, both with the 92nd Engineer Battalion, stand guard during a force protection exercise at Forward Operating Base Hadrian in Uruzgan province, Afghanistan, March 18, 2013. DoD courtesy photo

Army Birthday Quiz

How much do you know about the founding of the U.S. Army?

Coast Guard Quiz

In honor of the Coast Guard's birthday, we've put together a quiz on the service's history and traditions.

Marine Corps History Quiz

In celebration of the Marine Corps' birthday, Military.com has put together this Marine Corps history quiz.

Navy History Quiz

Test your Navy knowledge with this Navy history quiz by Military.com.

Spotlight: U.S. Army

Joint Air-to-Ground Missile Destroys Moving Target in Slow Motion

Incredible slow motion footage of a JAGM taking out a moving target.

Paratroopers Fire M2 .50 cal. Machine Gun

Have you ever fired an M2 .50 cal. machine gun?

Group of Cars Get Blown Up at Army Proving Ground

A group of perfectly good vehicles are destroyed compliments of the US Army.

Massive Explosion with Visible Shockwave at Army Proving Ground

One HUGE detonation during Iron Warrior at the U.S. Army Dugway Proving Ground.

MP5K Burst Shooting at the TSC Range

U.S. Soldiers fire bursts with MP5K submachine guns.

American Military History

Spotlight: Military Heroes

World War I

Famous Veterans

Entertainment

Memorial Day 2019

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History Quizzes

Spotlight: U.S. Army