Military History | The Runway

Military history is a field that studies warfare and its societal impacts, including battle strategies, weaponry progression, and military technology evolution. It's crucial for understanding societal evolution and informing military strategies. Strategists can learn from victories and defeats by analysing past wars to inform future decisions. Military history also reveals societal responses to conflict, guiding efforts to prevent future wars and promote peace. Additionally, it fosters national identity by allowing societies to remember and honour their past. In essence, military history provides valuable insights into the past, present, and human nature.

Military History

2,300 Tanks Destroyed: How Tiny Finland Humiliated Russia in the Winter War

Against all odds, Finland’s local knowledge, unity, and adaptability helped it resist a larger force— preparation and resolve can overcome sheer size. The term Molotov Cocktail first coined- an improvised incendiary grenade used against Soviet tanks.

Military History

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

The United States Army recently renamed Fort Moore, Georgia, after former US Army Corporal Fred Benning, a decorated WWI veteran. Fred later became a Nebraska mayor and shot someone during a council meeting.

Military History

Marine awarded Navy Cross at Vietnam War’s Battle of Hue remembered as ‘magnificent,’ humble leader

US Marine Captain Myron Harrington was known for his leadership. He was highly decorated for his war-time actions—though rarely mentioned his war service—and is being remembered for his dedication to fostering future Marine leaders.

Military History

PNG unveils WWII memorial after Andrew Forrest-led expedition discovery

While searching for his uncle’s remains in Papua New Guinea, billionaire Andrew Forrest uncovered the final resting place of two Australian World War II Beaufort Bomber crews. A memorial has now been erected in Gasmata.

Military History

The Cold War nuclear test that turned the sky crimson

In the early 1960s, the US military fired nuclear rockets into space to study electromagnetic pulses and their effects, creating a massive crimson aurora, blackouts in Hawaii, and heightened radiation that damaged satellites.

Military History

The World War II destroyer escort that fought like a battleship

The Battle of Leyte Gulf (1944) was the largest naval engagement in history, involving four major engagements over four days. The U.S. destroyer escort Roberts fought valiantly against heavy Japanese cruisers, despite eventually being sunk.

Military History

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

Lt. Col. Harry Stewart, Jr., one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen, flew 43 missions during WWII, earning a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal. Stewart was one of the most decorated Tuskegee pilots.

Military History

Australian Forward Air Controllers Fought Hard in the Vietnam War

RAAF pilots flew critical forward air control missions—marking targets, guiding airstrikes, and supporting troops under fire in high-risk operations. Missions required high situational awareness and precision and, coordination with ground troops and attack aircraft

Military History

Soldier from legendary ‘Darby’s Rangers’ recovered after 81 years

The remains of a World War II US Army Ranger, who went missing in 1943 while on operations, were found and identified in Italy. His return to the US has a special significance for the Ranger community.

Military History

F-111 Aardvark: Did the Air Force Retire This Warplane Too Soon?

The F-111 Aardvark was retired at different times by the USAF and RAAF due to differing strategic needs. While the U.S. replaced it with newer bombers in the 1990s, Australia maintained it until 2010 for its extended-range operational requirements.