by Chris Crowther Editor’s note: For the first time since its founding, Soldier of Fortune presents fiction. The following is an excerpt from a novel set in World War I: PURSUIT, by British author Chris Crowther. He notes about writing the book: “I drew on my own 42 years in …
Read More »‘G is For Gonzo’: A Slice From an Editor’s Life at Soldier of Fortune
by Martin Kufus Editor’s note: Author Martin Kufus has published Plow the Dirt but Watch the Sky, a memoir of his many adventures. Herewith some excerpts from the chapter where some unusual requests come his way while he is an editor at Soldier of Fortune. The phone call had come …
Read More »After ‘Restrepo,’ Civilians Called Me a Hero – But I Struggled to Makes Sense of My Service
by Brendan O ‘Byrne, The War Horse A small line of people formed in front of the stage; some of them offered a handshake or a thank you, a few wanted to tell me a story about their own experience, and others asked a question or two. An older woman …
Read More »‘I Wanna Jump From a Big Iron Bird’: Following in Dad’s Boot-Steps to Become a Paratrooper
by Heath Hansen I looked up into the big, blue sky. Far in the distance, I spotted a C-130 Hercules headed towards the open grass field I waited in. For a few moments, I watched as the plane continued in my direction. Suddenly, from the tail-end of the aircraft, paratroopers …
Read More »‘Wildcat’ Film Review: A Young Veteran Finds Healing in the Peruvian Jungle
by Susan Katz Keating Soldier of Fortune Film rating: Five out of five berets. Veterans often remind their struggling fellows: “You’re not alone.” That’s the message British Army veteran Harry Turner wants others to pull from the new film Wildcat, that chronicles how he worked through his own post-traumatic struggles …
Read More »The Cuban Missile Crisis: The Old Guard Still Lurks in the Shadows, Hinting of Secrets That Vanished With Time
by Susan Katz Keating This is one of those times when running Soldier of Fortune gets interesting. Make that, really interesting. Folks frequently emerge from the shadows to fill me in on mysteries from years gone by, offering to show me old files, or point me in the “right” direction …
Read More »Forty Years of Rambo: Here’s a Look at the ‘First Blood’ Trailer From 1982
It started as an indie film, and turned into an international hit that spawned the popular Rambo series. First Blood was released on October 22, 1982, and grossed more than $125 million at the box office. Here’s a look at the first trailer that kicked off the film that turned …
Read More »‘Scouts and Raiders’ Paved the Way to Forming the Navy SEALS
SEALS Although not formally founded until 1962, the beginnings of SEALs trace back to when the U.S. military saw a need for a beach reconnaissance force. A coalition of “Scouts and Raiders” were formed in 1942. Today’s Naval Special Warfare operators can trace their origins to the Scouts and Raiders, …
Read More »‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ – World War I Classic Gets New Look From Netflix
Netflix’s remake of “All Quiet on the Western Front” is coming to the streaming platform on Friday, 28 October. The film tells the story of a young German soldier on the Western Front of World War I. Paul and his comrades experience first-hand how the initial euphoria of war turns …
Read More »A Coyote Named ‘Jeep’ Flew Combat Missions Over Wartime Europe
The wildest aviator ever to step inside a fighter plane was actually a coyote named Jeep, who flew combat missions in World War II. While still a puppy, Jeep was rescued by a human pilot, John “Wild Bill” Crump. A Nebraska farmer had asked Bill to get rid of the …
Read More »