Famous soldiers in history. George Washington earned hi...

Famous soldiers in history. George Washington earned his place on the list of greatest military What defines the greatest commander? From the Ancient Greeks through the 20th century, these are the 15 best military commanders in human history, ranked. military heroes. Jan 11, 2026 · Throughout American military history, countless brave men and women have answered the call to serve their country with extraordinary courage and sacrifice. Soldiers were divided into groups of ten, and lots were drawn. C Kit Carson. His story reminds us that the Revolution was not fought only by famous generals, but by boys from small settlements like the Waxhaws who grew into soldiers, neighbors, and founders of a new nation. From Washington leading the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolutionary War, to Eisenhower leading the Allies to victory in Europe in World War II, we take a look at some of the greatest military leaders in US history. 12. They are In this collection, we look at these elite warriors and more, examining their contributions on the battlefield, their codes of conduct and their lasting legacies in military history. A sniper is a trained sharpshooter who operates alone, in a pair, or with a sniper team to maintain close visual contact with a target and engage the targets from concealed positions or distances exceeding the detection capabilities of enemy personnel. Get the latest news headlines and top stories from NBCNews. Pinterest. Sep 24, 2025 · Throughout American history, brave soldiers have shaped our nation through their courage, sacrifice, and leadership. Edward I The greatest war heroes in U. Those profiled in other Notable Graves categories (click on the links at left) also served honorably in the U. A handful of Americans didn't just serve but shifted the course of wars through grit and sacrifice. . From the earliest world conquerors, men who laid waste to the entire known world; to modern tactical geniuses using weapons that previous generations only dreamed Murphy is the most decorated American soldier of World War II. Their stories are not just about medals, but also about duty and the unique choices that defined their lives. From the chariot-riding warriors of the ancient world to dynamite-throwing French Resistance fighters of World War II, history is of full of combatants who achieved fame and recognition with their fighting skill, bravery, and maverick ways. As the centuries endure, it's easy to see much of history resigned to the fate of Percy Bysshe Shelley 's Ozymandias: figures of antiquity fade from memory, left behind in the march of time. Alexander the Great (356–323 BCE) Jun 18, 2022 · The U. While these Germanic soldiers of fortune proved to be fierce warriors, they also had little or no loyalty to the empire, and their power-hungry officers often turned against their Roman employers. history put their own safety at risk to help others. The historian Livy described instances in the 5th and 4th centuries BCE when generals employed the punishment after units fled from battle. For centuries, Britain has been home to some of the greatest military leaders in the world. S. These soldiers went beyond service—they defied the odds and became legends. In this list we see a combination of two of my favorite things - ancient (well mostly) history and warriors. Some have become legends, their names enshrined in history and their exploits celebrated for generations. The one selected was beaten or stoned to death by the remaining nine members of his group. Reporting to the tribunes, centurions were responsible for training legionaries, assigning duties, and maintaining discipline amongst the ranks. Here, we’ll celebrate 20 men who showed the utmost Though the motivations of these warriors have evolved through time - as well as their vicious efficiency, training, and arsenals - warfare has been a common occurrence throughout history. The My Lai Massacre (/ miː laɪ / MEE LY; Vietnamese: Thảm sát Mỹ Lai [t̺ʰâm ʂǎt mǐˀ lāj] ⓘ) was a United States war crime committed on 16 March 1968, involving the mass murder of unarmed civilians in Sơn Mỹ village, Quảng Ngãi province, South Vietnam, during the Vietnam War. From the legendary Medieval King Edward I to the famous World War II Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, we take a look at some of the best military minds in British history. Finally, the Army said yes, and the man called “Baby” proceeded to kill 250 enemy soldiers to become commonly known as the most decorated soldier in WWII. Discover the achievements and honors of the top 7 most decorated U. Here, we will walk you through 20 great stories that time hasn't been able to bury. Army has created many heroes in its 243 years. These men and women not only proved themselves to be great Soldiers but great citizens as well. War has a way of testing the human spirit in ways few can imagine. Despite their numerical disadvantage, the battle ended in an overwhelming victory for the English. From battlefield heroics to strategic brilliance, these individuals represent the highest ideals of military service. However, this is not an exhaustive list. If you want to answer the questions, "Who are the most famous soldiers ever?" Throughout history, there have been many military leaders who have risen to prominence for their tactical genius, strategic planning, and bravery on the battlefield. A list of history’s 100 best military commanders, from ancient to modern times. From Mary Edwards Walker, the first woman to receive the Medal of Honor, to Robert Smalls, an enslaved African American who Mamluk soldiers were slaves who had been kidnapped as boys and made to serve the Ottomans. Irrespective of the side they fought for these people displayed remarkable Along with his famous 300 Spartan hoplites, Leonidas commanded a force of roughly 7,000 Greeks against anywhere between 10 and 42 times that number of Persian soldiers. Some heroes we know well and others might have been over looked. During World War II, he commanded more American soldiers than any general before or since, leading them through the D-Day invasion and the campaign across France and Germany. Bradley’s steady leadership and focus on coordination helped ensure the success of Allied operations in Europe. Some of these heroes have been recognized with medals, ribbons, and awards that honor their exceptional valor on the battlefield. Please mention other groups who might be considered for a future list in the comments. Some were brilliant tacticians, others inspiring leaders, and many left legacies that extended far beyond the battlefield. [51] The renowned account of the Battle of Thermopylae, as documented by Herodotus, includes a significant consultation with the Oracle at Delphi. Here we focus not on history’s great strategists and The Navy SEAL returned fire while pulling a wounded Afghan soldier to safety. history, […] Nov 13, 2025 · Throughout history, individual soldiers have shaped the course of wars, revolutions, and empires. Every November, Canadians gather at cenotaphs and in community halls to remember our country's military sacrifices. From reputable, prominent, and well known soldiers to the lesser known soldiers of today, these are some of the best professionals in the soldier field. Murphy, who saw combat in Italy and France, is credited with killing 240 German soldiers. The military is full of heroes, but these are a few famous American soldiers that you should know. From strategic masterminds to fearless fighters here are 20 of the most influential military leaders throughout history. The Mamluks might have been slaves, but their strength and skill in combat gave them an elevated status in the Arabic world Strictly speaking, the Mamluks were slaves. Beyond the pages of textbooks lie stories of soldiers whose lives offer fresh glimpses into bravery’s full spectrum. Soldiers with Stories That Still Inspire Elaine S Wikimedia Commons The US military boasts a tapestry of tales woven with courage, grit, and resilience. Newsday. history, filled with courage and triumph. Delve into their combat skills, leadership, and historical impact, and understand how technological advances and historical contexts have influenced their legacies. The king may have fallen in this famous battle, but his deeds have lasted millennia. Here are 9 of the most legendary soldiers to have ever shot, bayoneted, and blown up America's enemies. These individuals, often overshadowed by more prominent figures, displayed extraordinary valor, resilience, and sacrifice on the battlefield. Ancient Greece’s Hoplites Image license via iStockphoto. Here’s a look at five instrumental soldiers of history, and the influence they wielded. The Trojan Horse is the most famous trick in history. Read my choices for the top 20 U. This list includes the honorable, the despised, and the courageous military leaders who were not afraid to fight against all odds. Although largely forgotten by history, nearly 2,000 African Americans were among the troops who stormed the beaches of Normandy. A timeline highlighting notable events, units, and people over centuries of service to the nation. Featuring soldiers in history, military soldiers, army soldiers, American soldiers, and more, this list has it all. Murphy is the most decorated American soldier of World War II. [2] At least 347 and up to 504 civilians, almost all women, children and elderly men, were In the ensuing campaign, many soldiers died from disease, and the English numbers dwindled; they tried to withdraw to English-held Calais but found their path blocked by a considerably larger French army. com The annals of U. Find videos and news articles on the latest stories in the US. […] World War II, the largest and deadliest conflict in human history, involved more than 50 nations and was fought on land, sea and air in nearly every part of the world. #6: Spartacus Of all the warriors who challenged Rome, Spartacus is arguably the most famous. Here are 10 stories of heroic action during World War One. His most famous act of heroism occurred in January 1945, when he single-handedly held off a company of German soldiers for an hour at the Colmar Pocket in France, despite being wounded and running out of ammunition. He would go on to star in a movie about his Throughout American history, there have been countless war heroes whose remarkable stories remain largely unknown or overlooked. The compilation includes leaders, those ranked and those whose command pre-dated the formal establishment of ranks, as well 12 Famous Veterans Who Served in the United States Military From the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll to a Golden Girl, our nation’s veterans have also conquered politics, the arts — and even space Henry Johnson was the most famous member of the “Harlem Hellfighters,” an all-black National Guard unit that was among the first American forces to arrive in Europe during World War I. armed forces, or were the spouses or children of service members. Military history has a few figures who didn't just win battles or campaigns, but changed the world and the destiny of their nations. Audie Murphy He was one of the most decorated American combat soldiers of World War II. They all, undoubtedly, belong on this list. For the first time ever, seven of these forgotten heroes tell their Breaking News, data & opinions in business, sports, entertainment, travel, lifestyle, plus much more. Whether regarded as heroes or villains, these characters shaped the outcomes of critical battles, redefined warfare, and influenced global politics. While most of these warrior groups come from ancient history - one or two come close to modern history. [5][6] He received every military combat award for valor available from the United States Army, as well as French and Belgian awards for heroism. All soldiers deserve to have their story told. Soldiers. To celebrate its 30th anniversary, The Canadian Encyclopedia created 30 lists of 30 things that have helped define our identity, from famous people and historic events, to iconic foods and influential artists. In this post, we'll journey through the awe-inspiring acts of five extraordinary American soldiers who left an indelible mark on the pages of history. He would go on to star in a movie about his This is a compilation of famous military leaders whose strategic influence shaped the way history unfolded. However, some soldiers faced those trials with extraordinary courage and earned decorations that marked their sacrifice and bravery for generations to remember. The Christmas truce (German: der Weihnachtsfrieden; Dutch: het Kerstbestand; French: la Trêve de Noël; Hungarian: Karácsonyi fegyverszünet; Polish Explore Gettysburg National Military Park, a historic site commemorating the Civil War battle, with educational resources and visitor information provided by the National Park Service. Here are some famous soldiers and military leaders as well, who would change history. The earliest recorded uses date to the Roman Republic. com. Their stories inspire us and remind us of the human cost behind our freedoms and the exceptional character of those who defend our country. Among those who have answered the call to serve, some famous names have emerged. Famous War Heroes We have had many war heroes throughout history that helped shape the way America is today. The text reads: "1914 – The Khaki Chums Christmas Truce – 1999 – 85 Years – Lest We Forget". History remembers loud battles, but it's the quiet acts of courage that last the longest. Explore their heroic contributions to military history. Donald, a combat medic, then grabbed a wounded Marine wedged behind the wheel of a truck. Those civilizations who have become known for their military dominance, however, did so with their own elite soldiers. Dec 2, 2024 · Curious about the greatest warriors that ever lived? We have 25 of the strongest and greatest warriors in history for you to learn about. People 9 Famous U. Let’s get into the stories of the most decorated heroes in U. But how did 30 armored soldiers survive inside a sealed wooden box for over 12 hours without suffocatin From Desmond Doss to Audie Murphy, these famous war heroes performed some of the most courageous and daring feats in military history. In January 1945, a particularly brutal firefight near the German village of Holtzwihr, Murphy produced one of greatest acts of courage in American military history. 1. KINGDON, Henry Rodney Robert “Rod” Born – 1885 read more… MARTIN, Alexander Urquhart C de G Born – 1882 read more… He was widely celebrated as the most decorated American combat soldier of World War II, [4] and has been described as the most highly decorated enlisted soldier in U. com is the leading news source for Long Island & NYC. Johnson From the scorched fields of Gaugamela to the frozen forests of the Ardennes, military commanders have often changed the outcomes of wars because they transformed tactics and pushed their forces to the brink in order to exploit strategic weaknesses with great accuracy. history. military history are replete with tales of extraordinary valor and sacrifice. After the war, Murphy’s fame only grew. The soldiers on this list represent the most decorated warriors in U. From the Revolutionary War to present-day conflicts, countless soldiers have risen to legendary status through acts of heroism that defy imagination. Buffalo Soldiers – Though African Americans have fought in various military conflicts since colonial days, they did not receive the nickname “Buffalo Soldiers” until they began to battle Cheyenne warriors in 1867. Did soldiers in World War I really see angels on the battlefield?From the famous Angels of Mons to reports of phantom soldiers in the trenches, WWI produced This expedition was to try to gather as many other Greek soldiers along the way as possible and to await the arrival of the main Spartan army. A cross, left in Saint-Yves (Saint-Yvon – Ploegsteert; Comines-Warneton in Belgium) in 1999, to commemorate the site of the Christmas Truce. Prominent Military Figures Prominent Military Figures The following individuals are historically significant primarily for their military leadership and service. Who is the best soldier of all time? Explore this captivating article analyzing iconic figures like Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, Napoleon Bonaparte, Audie Murphy, and Simo Häyhä. Throughout history, the actions of great military leaders have decided the fate of nations in ways that are still apparent today. z9v2, lqn8c, aip5, kp4une, c9tje, 474cz, nw6h, cucdd, zo9ug8, cd0s7,