During his 78th mission, this pilot came up against an unexpected foe
Merlyn Dethlefsen was dubbed “taciturn, a born-again Christian, and not at all the typical fighter pilot," yet his exploits proved otherwise.
By Jon Guttman
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New charges for Guard shooting suspect enable death penalty talks
Lakanwal remains charged with first-degree murder, assault with intent to kill and illegal possession of a firearm in the Nov. 26 shooting.
By J.D. Simkins
With his observer’s parachute shredded, this pilot gave up his own
During the longest battle of the Vietnam War, Steven Bennett put his observer’s life above his own.
By Jon Guttman
An enduring symbol: why troops keep naming things after reptiles
From cobras to gators, reptilian mascots and call signs appear on patches, aircraft and unit logos across every branch. Why?
By Clay Beyersdorfer
He was awarded a Silver Star for a battle the US said never happened
On Aug. 11, 2025, 57 years after the battle, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has announced the recovery of James Henry Calfee from Lima Site 85.
By Richard Sisk
Veterans of Bravo Company receive Bronze Medals 56 years after combat
More than half a century later, 14 soldiers of Bravo Company were formally awarded Bronze Star Medals for their actions in Vietnam’s Central Highlands.
Muhammad Ali’s unsigned Vietnam draft card heads to auction
Muhammad Ali's refusal to sign his Vietnam-era military draft card upended the boxing champ's life and added a powerful voice to the anti-war movement.
Mass deportations ensnare immigrant service members, veterans
As the Trump administration engages in a campaign of mass deportations, military experts and veterans say immigrant troops and their relatives are targets.
By Hannah Psalma Ramirez, News21
DC sues Trump administration over National Guard deployment
The attorney general for the District of Columbia says the nation’s capital is suing the Trump administration for deploying the National Guard in the city.
By Carla Babb
Duke Cunningham, Navy flying ace who later accepted bribes, dies at 83
Cunningham received a Navy Cross, two Silver Stars, 15 Air Medals and a Purple Heart for his actions during the war.
The National Guard, DC landscaping and the great pursuit of lethality
Few training methods guarantee a better fighting force than boredom-induced annoyance.
By J.D. Simkins
Some National Guard troops in DC now carrying service-issued weapons
Roughly 2,300 Guard troops have been deployed in Washington and seen in low-crime tourist areas.
By Carla Babb