U.S. Military History Archives

Honoring America’s First Veterans: The Reinterment Ceremony at the Battle of Camden

May 2, 2023April 22, 2023 by Angela DiLoreto

Camden Battle Revolutionary War soldiers

Discover the history and significance of the Battle of Camden, a pivotal Revolutionary War battle, and learn about the recent ceremony honoring the soldiers who lost their lives. Explore the details of the battle, including the strategic decisions made by both sides, and gain insight into the lasting impact it had on the war. Dive into the emotional story of the recent reinterment ceremony, which brought closure to the families of the soldiers and honored their sacrifice.

Visiting Fort Sumter: The First Shots of the Civil War Were Fired Here

April 12, 2025April 11, 2023 by Vince DiLoreto

On April 12th, 1861, Confederate forces under General P.G.T. Beauregard fired on Union forces at Fort Sumter, marking the beginning of the American Civil War. The fort was strategically placed to control access to Charleston Harbor, a vital seaport for America and the South. Despite being outnumbered and running out of supplies, Union forces held out for 34 hours before surrendering to the Confederates.

The Remarkable Story of Hedy Lamarr: Actress, Inventor, and Pioneer

February 23, 2024March 14, 2023 by Angela DiLoreto

Did you know that the technology behind Wi-Fi, GPS navigation, and other wireless communications systems was built in part by a Hollywood actress? Hedy Lamarr, dubbed the “Mother of Wi-Fi,” was not only a stunning beauty but also a brilliant inventor.

Forgotten Heroes of WWII: Delivering Hope to WWII Soldiers through 17 Million Letters

February 23, 2024February 28, 2023 by Angela DiLoreto

Historic Footnotes Podcast - Obscure and often forgotten pieces of history

Picture this: it’s 1945 and soldiers on the frontlines eagerly await a letter from their loved ones back home. But their letters are undelivered, stuck in a backlog of over 17 million pieces of mail. Enter Major Charity Adams, a trailblazing African-American woman who led the all-black, all-female 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion to clear that massive backlog and boost the morale of soldiers fighting for our country.

Robert Smalls: Born Enslaved, Trained as a Sailor, Elected Congressman

February 15, 2024February 23, 2023 by Vince DiLoreto

Born into slavery, Robert Smalls’ determination and bravery led him to become a hero of the Civil War. Working as a pilot on a Confederate military cargo ship, he saw an opportunity to escape slavery and bring his family to freedom. Robert and his crew seized control of the ship and navigated past Confederate gun range and into Union territory. It was then that he approached Union soldiers, and said, “Good morning Sir. I’ve brought you some of the United States old guns, Sir!”

A Future President, a Future Senator, and a Duel that Echoes through History

February 13, 2024February 19, 2023 by Vince DiLoreto

If I told you two politicians were so infuriated with one another that one would challenge the other to a duel, you would be forgiven for thinking it is a recent news story. Or, if you realized that no one has publicly challenged anyone to a duel for over 200 years, you might be thinking of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. In either case, you’d be mistaken. I’m talking about President Abraham Lincoln and Senator James Shields. Of course, this was before either were elected to those offices.