Topic

Wars, Conflict & Heroes

A collection of 84 issues

Hollywood's Most Unlikely Winner: How the U.S. Marine Corps Won an Oscar for a Film That Shocked a Nation

In 1944, the entire U.S. Marine Corps received an unprecedented Academy Award for "With the Marines at Tarawa." The graphic color documentary, which required presidential approval to release, brought the shocking reality of the Pacific War to the American home front for the first time.

Throne of Blood: The 2001 Nepalese Royal Massacre and the Fall of a Dynasty

On June 1, 2001, Nepal's Crown Prince Dipendra, enraged over a marriage dispute, shot and killed ten members of his family, including his parents, the King and Queen. He then turned the gun on himself, plunging the nation into chaos and ending a dynasty.

Dimples and Diplomacy: Shirley Temple's Surprising Role in the Fall of Communism

Shirley Temple, the iconic child star, had a remarkable second act as a diplomat. As US Ambassador to Czechoslovakia in 1989, she witnessed and supported the Velvet Revolution, playing a key role in the nation's peaceful transition from communism to democracy.

Old Reliable's Revenge: The Day Titanic's Sister Ship Rammed a U-Boat

During WWI, the RMS Olympic, Titanic's sister ship, was a troop transport. When German U-boat U-103 tried to torpedo her, the Olympic's captain ordered the massive liner to ram the submarine. The Olympic sliced into the U-boat, sinking it, and continued on without stopping to rescue survivors.

Fallen from the Sky: The Unthinkable Story of 9/11's First Fallen Firefighter

Daniel Suhr, the first FDNY member killed on 9/11, was responding to the World Trade Center when he was tragically struck and killed by a person who had jumped or fallen from the South Tower, a harrowing testament to the chaos of that day.

The Man Stansfield Wanted: The Shocking, Heroic Story of Keith Glascoe, 9/11 Firefighter

Keith Glascoe, known for playing Benny in Léon: The Professional and the target of the line "Bring me everyone!", was also a decorated NYC firefighter. He heroically sacrificed his life during the South Tower collapse on 9/11, leaving behind a legacy of cinematic and real-world bravery.

South Sudan: The Story of the World's Newest Country and Its Tumultuous First Decade

On July 9, 2011, South Sudan became the world's newest nation after a historic referendum, ending decades of civil war with Sudan. Despite initial optimism, the country has since faced immense challenges, including internal conflict, humanitarian crises, and the difficult task of nation-building.

Krystyna Skarbek: The Polish Countess Who Became Churchill's Favorite Spy

Meet Krystyna Skarbek, the Polish countess who became Britain's first female field agent. Known for her fearless exploits and charisma, she was Churchill's favorite spy and the longest-serving woman in the SOE, a true legend of WWII espionage whose story is as thrilling as it is tragic.

Lizzie the War Elephant: The Surprising Circus Hero of WW1 Sheffield

During WW1, with horses requisitioned for the front lines, a circus elephant named Lizzie stepped up in Sheffield. She heroically hauled munitions and scrap metal for the war effort, famously doing the work of three horses and becoming a beloved local figure.

'They Had No Choice': The Story of London's Powerful Animals in War Memorial

London's Animals in War Memorial honors the millions of animals who served and died in human conflicts. Its most powerful inscription, 'They had no choice,' serves as a solemn reminder of their silent, involuntary sacrifice and the true, far-reaching cost of war.