Historical Figures

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

Latest in Historical Figures

Retired Col. Bruce Crandall
Historical Figures

Medal of Honor recipient and legendary Vietnam War helicopter pilot ‘Old Snake’ has died

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on Jun 2, 2026

George Hardy, in a red sweater wearing a hat that says "Tuskegee," stands in front of his plane from World War II.
Historical Figures

One of the last original Tuskegee Airmen dies at 100

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Sep 28, 2025

John "Lucky" Luckadoo near a B-17 in World War II.
Historical Figures

‘Lucky’ Luckadoo, last original pilot of World War II’s ‘Bloody Hundredth’ dies at 103

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Sep 8, 2025

Capt. Jim Lovell, NASA astronaut.
Historical Figures

Jim Lovell, Apollo 13 astronaut who helped avert disaster, has died

By Nicholas Slayton

Updated on Aug 9, 2025

Private Fitz Lee, in a suit and hat, poses with his Medal of Honor.
Historical Figures

An Army base will now honor a Buffalo Soldier

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Jun 19, 2025

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.
Historical Figures

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.
Historical Figures

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.
Historical Figures

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.
Historical Figures

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
Historical Figures

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’
Historical Figures

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.
Historical Figures

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)
Historical Figures

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)
Historical Figures

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

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Jun 8, 2024

navy human tugboat
Historical Figures

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

By Matt White

Posted on Jan 11, 2024