Historical Figures

Profiles, explainers, and other stories that take a close look at prominent military figures.

Latest in Historical Figures

Dana Klabenes, City Clerk & Treasurer of Neligh, Nebraska, points to Fred Benning, who served as the town's mayor from 1948 to 1952 and who will now be namesake for one of the Army's largest most storied bases, Fort Benning, Georgia.
History

The Army didn’t have a photo of the ‘new’ Benning, so we found this one

By Matt White

Posted on Mar 6, 2025

Tuskegee Airman, Lt. Col. Harry Stewart Jr. celebrating his 100th birthday.
History

Tuskegee airman who notched three air-to-air victories in one day dies at 100

By Joshua Skovlund

Updated on Feb 3, 2025

A composite of two men in military uniform. Both are wearing hats.
News

These 2 soldiers will receive the Medal of Honor for their heroism in Vietnam

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on Jan 3, 2025

A composite of five men in military uniform. One is in color the rest are black and white photographs.
News

Five Korean War vets to receive Medal of Honor including Fort Cavazos namesake

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Jan 3, 2025

President Jimmy Carter, in a dark suit, with an American flag behind him
News

President Jimmy Carter, Navy veteran and humanitarian, dies at 100

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Dec 29, 2024

Gary Sinise reflects on the legacy of ‘Lt. Dan’ and his work for veterans on 30th anniversary of ‘Forrest Gump’
Culture

Gary Sinise reflects on the legacy of ‘Lt. Dan’ and his work for veterans on 30th anniversary of ‘Forrest Gump’

By Pam Windsor

Posted on Aug 23, 2024

Astronaut Buzz Aldrin on the Moon, photographed by fellow Apollo 11 crew member Neil Armstrong. (photo courtesy NASA)
Historical Figures

55 years ago, the military pilots of Apollo 11 landed on the Moon

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Jul 20, 2024

Virginia native Gillie Jenkins monitored nuclear tests in the Bikini Atoll. Courtesy photo.
History

America’s Atomic Veterans, hidden by secrets, were forgotten for 50 years

By Abigail Spanberger

Posted on Jul 15, 2024

Doris Allen (right) in Vietnam. (photo courtesy U.S. Army)
History

The woman who predicted the Tết Offensive, but was ignored, passes away at 97

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Jun 30, 2024

William Anders (photo courtesy NASA)
History

Apollo 8 astronaut, Air Force veteran, William Anders dies in plane crash

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Jun 8, 2024

navy human tugboat
News

Navy will name a new ship for the ‘human tugboat,’ a forgotten WWII hero

By Matt White

Posted on Jan 11, 2024

Ken Mattingly, astronaut, pilot and admiral, dead at 87
History

Ken Mattingly, astronaut, pilot and admiral, dead at 87

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Nov 4, 2023

Did Edgar Allan Poe go to West Point?
Culture

Did Edgar Allan Poe go to West Point?

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Oct 15, 2023

medal of honor
History

Army Cobra pilot receives Medal of Honor for Vietnam rescue

By Matt White

Posted on Sep 5, 2023

World War II OSS veteran, 100, earns Special Forces tab
News

World War II OSS veteran, 100, earns Special Forces tab

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Sep 2, 2023

Fort AP Hill is now Fort Walker, in honor of a Union surgeon
History

Fort AP Hill is now Fort Walker, in honor of a Union surgeon

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Aug 27, 2023