After the Union’s defeat at Fredericksburg in 1862, morale in the Army of the Potomac was low, worsened by Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside’s failed “Mud March.” However, when Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker took command, he revitalized the army. Hooker prioritized food, establishing regular supplies of fresh vegetables and bread. He improved sanitation, significantly reducing disease rates, and reinstated discipline with regular drills and inspections. Desertions decreased following the introduction of a furlough system. These reforms transformed the army from demoralized to disciplined, showcasing Hooker’s administrative prowess during the Civil War’s challenging period.

The Black Panther tanks, officially known as the Panther tank, were a prominent German medium tank during World War II. Introduced in 1943, they were designed to counter the Soviet T-34 and to replace the older Panzer III and IV models. Featuring a powerful 75mm gun and superior mobility, the Panther was respected for its firepower and armor, but was also plagued by mechanical reliability issues.

During WWI, leaders like Billy Mitchell foresaw airpower’s role in war. By WWII, advances in bombing technology helped the Allies drop 2.7 million tons of bombs, aiding in victory.

The Battle of Chattanooga was a Civil War battle fought in November 1863. Union forces under General Ulysses S. Grant defeated Confederate forces under General Braxton Bragg, securing control of Chattanooga and opening up a path towards Atlanta.

The Battle of Long Tan was a significant military engagement during the Vietnam War, fought between Australian and Viet Cong forces on August 18, 1966. The Australian troops were outnumbered but managed to hold off the enemy, resulting in a decisive victory.

On December 22nd, 1962, Chief Warrant Officer Charles Holloway was shot and killed in Vietnam, an early casualty in the war and a wake up call that war was coming.

Taps is a military tradition that originated during the American Civil War and is played at military funerals and ceremonies to honor fallen soldiers.