U.S. Marines raised the American flag on the summit of Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima. Joe Rosenthal's photograph of the second flag-raising became the most famous war photograph in history and the symbol of the Marine Corps.
Mexican General Santa Anna's army arrived at San Antonio and began the 13-day Siege of the Alamo, where fewer than 200 Texan defenders would fight to the last man against thousands of Mexican troops.
Santa Anna's Mexican army arrived outside the Alamo mission, beginning a 13-day siege against roughly 200 Texian defenders. The artillery bombardment and engineering operations set the pattern for fortified warfare in early 19th century North America.
Rotary International was founded in Chicago. The organization would become a major supporter of military veterans' causes and international peace initiatives throughout the 20th century.
The Workers' and Peasants' Red Army was officially established by decree, creating the military force that would become the Soviet Union's instrument of global power throughout the Cold War.
The Council of People's Commissars formally established the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army. The new force would fight the Russian Civil War and grow into one of the largest military organizations of the 20th century.
Japanese submarine I-17 surfaced and shelled the Ellwood oil field near Santa Barbara, California, the first attack on the U.S. mainland since the War of 1812, causing panic along the West Coast.
Two nights after the Java Sea disaster, the surviving Allied cruisers Houston and Perth stumbled into a Japanese invasion convoy in the Sunda Strait. Both ships fought to the end and were sunk by gunfire and Long Lance torpedoes.
U.S. Marines raised the American flag on the summit of Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima. Joe Rosenthal's photograph of the second flag-raising became the most famous war photograph in history and the symbol of the Marine Corps.
Marines of the 28th Regiment, 5th Marine Division raised the American flag atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima. The second flag raising produced one of the most recognized photographs in military history.
Coalition ground forces launched the massive ground offensive in Operation Desert Storm, breaching Iraqi defenses and beginning the 100-hour war that would liberate Kuwait.
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Pioneering sociologist and civil rights leader who advocated for African American military service as a path to full citizenship, writing the influential essay "Close Ranks" urging Black Americans to support the WWI war effort.
Actor and filmmaker whose role in "Easy Rider" captured the counterculture spirit of the Vietnam War era. His father Henry Fonda served in the Navy during WWII.
Beloved British-American comedian whose films with Oliver Hardy entertained millions of troops during WWII and whose comedy was shown at military bases worldwide as a morale-boosting tool.
10 military events occurred on February 23, spanning multiple centuries. Key events include: Flag Raised on Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima's Iconic Moment (1945), Siege of the Alamo Begins in Texas (1836), Red Army Founded, Soviet Military Power Born (1918), Ground War Begins in Desert Storm (1991), U.S. Marines Raise Flag on Mount Suribachi (1945).
The most significant military event on February 23 is Flag Raised on Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima's Iconic Moment (1945). U.S. Marines raised the American flag on the summit of Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima. Joe Rosenthal's photograph of the second flag-raising became the most famous war photograph in history and the symbol of the Marine Corps.
Notable military figures born on February 23 include W. E. B. Du Bois (1868–1963), Peter Fonda (1940–2019).
Events on February 23 span World War II, the Interwar Period, World War I, the Modern Era, covering 10 events across 2 centuries of military history.
Events on February 23 involve 3 branches of the U.S. and allied armed forces, reflecting the global scope of military operations throughout history.
Explore military history from the day you were born.
June 6
The Allied invasion of Normandy, the largest amphibious assault in history.
December 7
Japan attacks the U.S. Pacific Fleet, bringing America into World War II.
September 11
The deadliest terrorist attack in history transforms U.S. national security.
August 6
The first atomic bomb is dropped on a city, ushering in the nuclear age.
May 8
Nazi Germany surrenders unconditionally, ending World War II in Europe.
November 11
Armistice Day marks the end of World War I and honors all who served.
June 4
The turning point of the Pacific War as the U.S. Navy destroys four Japanese carriers.
July 4
The Declaration of Independence is adopted, sparking the American Revolution.
In February 1991, M1A1 Abrams tanks proved themselves in the deserts of Iraq and Kuwait during the 100-hour ground war of Operation Desert Storm. The Battle of 73 Easting became the defining engagement, where American armor destroyed an Iraqi Republican Guard division in under 23 minutes. Here is what the crews experienced and what the machine actually did.
15 essential WW2 books covering every theater. Narrative histories, memoirs, and visual references ranked.
On April 18, 1942, sixteen B-25 Mitchell bombers did something no one thought possible: they launched from the deck of an aircraft carrier, flew 650 miles to Japan, and bombed Tokyo. Every aircraft was lost. The damage was negligible. The consequences changed the war.
Compare 85+ WW2 scale model kits across aircraft, tanks, and ships. Beginner builds from $9 to museum-grade showpieces at $580. Covers Tamiya, Eduard, HK Models, Trumpeter, and more with honest reviews, trade-offs, and pricing.
