Todd Neikirk

1 month ago | warhistoryonline.com | Todd Neikirk

Top Gun debuted in theaters in May 1986, and moviegoers had never seen anything like it. The film was sleek and cool, and portrayed the US Navy in such a fresh way that the military branch began setting up recruitment tables outside of theaters. One reason the film resonated so much was because of its accuracy. Rear Adm. Pete Pettigrew, callsign “Viper,” played an important role in that.

1 month ago | warhistoryonline.com | Todd Neikirk

One of the most, if not the most, prominent topics in US history is the American Civil War. While the majority of what’s presented about the conflict is factual, some aspects have been the subject to a large amount of myth-making. Below are examples of myths about the war that need to be corrected. MYTH: Robert E. Lee didn’t own slaves or support slaveryIn the decades following the American Civil War, a lot of work was done to paint Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee as a saintly hero.

1 month ago | warhistoryonline.com | Todd Neikirk

The Japanese battleship Kongōhad some of the greatest nicknames in history; the Japanese translations for the vessel’s many names are “Indestructible Diamond,” “Indra’s Spear” and “Divine Thunder.” In addition to this, she also saw extensive service in both World War I and II. This is the story of one of the most heavily-armored battleships of her era. Construction of KongōThe construction of the battlecruiser Kongō began in January 1911.

1 month ago | warhistoryonline.com | Todd Neikirk

Joe Foss lived for 87 years, and he packed more living into those 87 years than any other American in recent history. Not only was he a decorated war hero, having been presented with the Medal of Honor, he was also the commissioner of the American Football League (AFL), the Governor of South Dakota and the president of the National Rifle Association (NRA). Joe Foss’ early life and upbringingJoe Foss was born in April 1915 near Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

2 months ago | warhistoryonline.com | Todd Neikirk

In times of crisis, pilots may have to parachute out of their aircraft due to damage or mechanical failure. For the most part, these descents happen way under the clouds and the elements don’t prove to be a danger for pilots. It was a whole different story for US Marine Corps aviator William Rankin on July 26, 1959.