Category: Odd Facts
Suite Surrender – Why America Pampered its Detained Axis Diplomats During WW2
“The officials of these nations could not object to the class of accommodations offered by these two hotels.” By Harvey Solomon WITH SWASTIKA PINS in their lapels, Nazi officials strut around a posh American resort,…
The Mystery of Sergeant Bud Walcott – Did an American RAF Spitfire Pilot Really Desert from Malta in WW2?
“Rumours circulating in his squadron suggested that Walcott intentionally fled the morning of the flight.” By Bill Simpson It was a bright clear morning on April 20, 1942 when the skies above Malta were suddenly…
Blunder Over Belgium — Was a Botched Cargo Drop to the 82nd Airborne in the Ardennes Negligence or Sabotage?
“Everything changed on Dec. 24 when an urgent order came down for Harry’s squadron to fly an emergency munitions run.” By Marcus A. Nannini IT WAS DECEMBER 1944. First Lieutenant Harry Watson was in the…
“Huzzah!” – Military History’s Ten Most Famous Battle Cries
“The famous Confederate ‘Rebel Yell’ is just one of many battle cries that have been heard on history’s killing fields. Consider these.” CIVIL WAR HISTORIAN Shelby Foote once remarked that any Union soldier who heard…
Raid on Los Baños – The WW2 Prison Camp Rescue That History Forgot
“The coordinated strike on the camp by 170 U.S. paratroopers and 75 Filipino guerrillas would use the element of surprise to overwhelm the few guards that remained at their posts.” By Bruce Henderson SHORTLY AFTER SUNRISE…
Richard Somers’ Day of Duels – How One of America’s First Naval Heroes Faced Six Challengers to Preserve His Ship’s Honour
“To most modern readers, and even many of his contemporaries, Somers’ day of duels was a waste of courage. He himself may have even agreed with the sentiment.” By William J. Prom Richard Somers and…
