Author: Mark Flowers

I'm a retired Soldier who loves history. I've been studying our military past for many years, especially the parts that don't usually make it into books and magazines. My military experienced spanned the Cold War years and after. I served in combat with the Big Red One during the 1991 Gulf War. Today, I live on a pretty spot in the country, where I love peace and quiet. When I'm nor writing, my passion is cooking, especially on my Green Egg.
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USS Hornet’s courageous last stand in 1942

"Bomb explodes belowdecks" by Tom Lea. 1943, U.S. Army Art Collection
The Guadalcanal campaign in the autumn of 1942 ranks among the most complex military operations in U.S. history. American forces in the South Pacific were faced with Japan's experienced armed forces. As a result, a kaleidoscopic series battles occurred on land, and in the air and seas of the Solomon Islands. (Left) Associated Press correspondent …

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His Bunkie

There were many words that you could not stand to hear and finally only the names of places had dignity. Abstract words such as glory, honour, courage, or hallow were obscene. Ernest Hemingway, in A Farewell to Arms, 1929. "His Bunkie" by William James Aylward, 1918, U.S. Army Art Collection Among more than 700 pieces …

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ACAV crew during Operation Toan Thang I

ACAV crew of the 1st Infantry Division near Phuoc Vinh, Vietnam during Operation Toan Thang I, 12 April 1968. Getty/Bettmann
This magnificent photo shows a U.S. Army M113 armored personnel crew of 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment operating near Phuoc Vinh, Vietnam in 1968.

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To be a Marine in World War II

Semper Fidelis has always been more than just a hollow slogan to Marines. These two simple Latin words, meaning "always faithful," are the motto of the Marine Corps.

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D-Day on Iwo Jima in color

The campaign for Iwo Jima was one of the best documented in World War II. Marine combat cameramen and photographers accompanied the 3rd, 4th and 5th Marine Divisions through every phase of the battle, A few of their images of D-Day on Iwo follow.

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Hell was an island named Bougainville

World War II saw America's armed forces deployed literally across the globe. Never before or since have our service members performed their duties in so many places. Some parts of the world – especially in Europe – were easily identifiable, but others were almost impossible to find on a map. More than one serviceman scratched …

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