What was the National Service Act 1948 (UK)?

Introduction The National Service Act 1948 was an Act of Parliament which extended the British conscription of the Second World War long after the war-time need for it had expired, in the form of “National Service”. After a bill with the same purpose had been approved in 1947, expected to be implemented 01 January 1949,… Read More

What was the Mutual Defence Assistance Act (1949)?

Introduction The Mutual Defence Assistance Act (MDAA) was a United States Act of Congress signed by President Harry S. Truman on 06 October 1949. For US Foreign policy, it was the first US military foreign aid legislation of the Cold War era, and initially to Europe. The Act followed Truman’s signing of the Economic Cooperation… Read More

Who was William R. Charette?

Introduction William Richard Charette (29 March 1932 to 18 March 2012) was a United States Navy master chief hospital corpsman who received the nation’s highest military decoration for valour, the Medal of Honour. He was awarded the medal for heroic actions “above and beyond the call of duty” on 27 March 1953, while assigned to… Read More

Who was Bud Day?

Introduction George Everette “Bud” Day (24 February 1925 to 27 July 2013) was a United States Air Force officer, aviator, and veteran of World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War. He was also a prisoner of war, and recipient of the Medal of Honour and Air Force Cross. As of 2016, he is the… Read More