Hidden History Revealed: Stunning Rare Photos n°7

Witness the passage of time through these riveting images; from Che Guevara’s visit to Gaza in 1959, to the haunting last photograph of the Titanic, action-filled WWII scenes, the iconic meeting between Elvis and Nixon and beyond.

Che Guevara in Gaza (1959)

Che Guevara’s 1959 Gaza visit had significant historical importance as it marked the first official diplomatic mission by revolutionary Cuba, strengthening their ties with the Arab world.

Buzz Aldrin After Moonwalk (1969)

Buzz Aldrin, upon reentering the Lunar Module after his historic moonwalk, reportedly left behind his astronaut boot covers, jettisoning them to save weight. These covers, left untouched on the lunar surface, are still there to this day.

NYC Skyline (1932)

The Chrysler Building, the tallest building in 1932, is an iconic part of the New York City skyline. It’s known for its Art Deco style and the distinct, gleaming peak which was secretly assembled inside the building before being revealed.

U-107 Submarine (1941)

The German submarine U-107 holds the record for the longest patrol of any submarine during WWII. Under the command of Captain Günter Hessler, it stayed submerged for 225 days covering 16,000 miles and sinking 14 enemy ships from Nov 1940 to July 1941.

Soldier of Wermacht Shoots Kar98 (1939-1945)

The Wermacht soldier is seen using a Kar98, a bolt-action rifle that was the primary weapon of German forces during WWII. The reliability and accuracy of Kar98 made it a favorite among soldiers.

Last Titanic Photo (1985)

This statement is inaccurate. The last known photo of the Titanic was actually taken in 1912 before its ill-fated voyage. However, in 1985, the ship’s wreck was discovered off Newfoundland’s coast.

Boy Waves to Soldiers at Brandenburg Gate (11/10/89)

This iconic scene occurred a day after the unexpected announcement that East Germans could visit the West, effectively marking the fall of the Berlin Wall, which was a potent symbol of the Cold War.

Marine Kneels for Fallen Friend (Sept ’44)

This poignant photo captures the raw emotion of war, illustrating the strong bonds formed amongst soldiers. Taken during WWII, it’s a moment of respect, grief, & longing, revealing the personal cost of global conflicts often hidden behind military bravado.

USS Yorktown Hit (1942)

Despite being critically damaged, USS Yorktown’s crew managed temporary repairs that allowed her to stay afloat and participate in the Battle of Midway. The ship stood as a symbol of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Apollo 12 Astronauts & Corvettes

In 1971, the astronauts of Apollo 12 – Charles “Pete” Conrad Jr., Richard Francis Gordon Jr., and Alan LaVern Bean – were each presented with gold and black 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray coupes. This was part of a special leasing deal from General Motors for astronauts.

Street Arabs, NYC (1889)

Street Arab gangs of 1889 were made up of homeless children in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, NY. They survived through theft and hustling, having their own informal codes of conduct and hierarchy.

Chicago N.W. RR Roundhouse (1942)

This 1942 photo captures the vital role of steam locomotives in moving freight during WWII. Despite rationing, the Chicago and North Western Railway yards managed to keep these powerful machines running, supporting the American war effort.

French Foreign Legion: Bir Hacheim (June 1942)

In June 1942, the French Foreign Legion bravely defended Bir Hakeim, Libya, against German-Italian forces for 15 days, out-numbered yet unyielding. This boosted the Free French Forces’ morale and made allies take notice of France’s continued resistance efforts in WWII.

Kinrooi Bunker (2020)

The Bunker in Kinrooi’s Market Square is a plaza shelter built during World War II. This unique edifice holds historical significance as a testament to wartime intercession for civilian protection in Belgium. It’s a fascinating, visible reminder of Europe’s tumultuous past.

Elvis Meets Nixon (1970)

In 1970, Elvis Presley visited the White House to request President Nixon to appoint him as an undercover agent in the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. His ‘badge’ obsession and desire to legitimize his self-appointed war on drugs motivated this unusual request.

Ronald Reagan Shot (1981)

On March 30, 1981, President Ronald Reagan was shot and wounded by John Hinckley Jr. Although seriously injured, Reagan joked to his surgeons, “I hope you’re all Republicans”, highlighting his humor amidst adversity.

Pearl Harbor Attack: Civilian Deaths (1941)

Although the Pearl Harbor attack in December 7, 1941, is known for the heavy casualty on the US military, it also impacted civilians. 68 civilians were killed, with shock waves from explosions and falling antiaircraft shell fragments causing most fatalities.

St. Louis Courthouse (1934)

The St. Louis Courthouse, built in 1934, is more than an architectural marvel. It played a pivotal role in American history as the site of the first two trials of the landmark Dred Scott case in 1847 and 1850. It’s now part of the Gateway Arch National Park.

Louis Armstrong Plays Giza (1961)

In 1961, Louis Armstrong, acclaimed jazz musician, gave an impromptu performance at Giza. The most iconic photograph captures him serenading his wife, Lucille, with the Sphinx and the Pyramids as a backdrop. It’s a heartwarming blend of love, music, and history.

D-Day: Normandy Invasion (June 1944)

D-Day, which occurred on June 6, 1944, involved over 156,000 American, British, and Canadian forces landing on five beaches along a 50-mile stretch of France’s Normandy region, marking a crucial turning point in World War II.

Tankers Battle German Spearhead (20 Dec 1944)

This event occurred during the Battle of the Bulge in WWII, the largest and deadliest battle for US forces. The American tank destroyers were pivotal in halting the German advance, despite the challenging weather conditions.

Kennedy’s 1960 Run (1960)

The 1960 election was groundbreaking as JFK was the first and only Roman Catholic president of the US. It also witnessed the first-ever televised presidential debates, which played a crucial role in Kennedy’s win. JFK was the youngest elected president at age 43.

Heroic Sacrifice of Josef Schulz (1941)

Josef Schulz, a young German soldier in 1941, chose to die rather than participating in the execution of 16 Yugoslav civilians, displaying remarkable courage and humanity. He openly defied orders, positioning himself among the civilians, and met with the same fate.

“Above San Fran Bay: ’06” (May 28, 1906)

On May 28, 1906, some three weeks after the devastating San Francisco earthquake, a unique set of aerial photographs were taken from 2000 feet above the Bay. These historic images provide a powerful documentation of the extent of the earthquake’s devastation.

North Korean Tankman Dead (1950)

This photo showcases the brutality of the Korean War, the first military action of the Cold War, spanning 1950-1953. Taken early in the war, it highlights the deadly clash at Indong between North and South Korea, exposing the human cost of this ideological conflict.

Edgewood Yacht Club Defies Hurricane Carol (1954)

During Hurricane Carol in 1954, the Edgewood Yacht Club was among the few structures to endure the massive storm surge. This event testified to its robust construction and resilience in face of nature’s wrath. The yacht club subsequently became a symbol of endurance.

Aachen Prisoners Marched (1944)

The fall of Aachen in October 1944 marked the first German city taken by the Allies during WW2. The sight of German prisoners parading through ruined streets symbolized a turning point in the war.

NYC Navy St. Camorra (1916)

The New York City Navy Street Camorra Gang was an Italian-American criminal society in Brooklyn, led by Alessandro Vollero. This gang fueled a violent war with Brooklyn’s Neapolitans, culminating in the 1916 “barrel murder.”

Germany 1937

Actually, Hitler became the Chancellor of Germany in 1933, not 1937. By mid-1934, he had declared himself Führer, consolidating total power over the country. His reign marked the start of the totalitarian dictatorship, leading to World War II.

Uruguayan Rugby Team Survivors (1972)

Surviving members of the 1972 Uruguayan rugby team’s plane crash in the Andes relied on cannibalism to survive. Trapped for 72 days in freezing conditions with limited resources, they had to consume the bodies of their deceased companions to stay alive.

Fallen Kameraden Mourned (Crete 1941)

Fallschirmjagers were German paratroopers renowned for their courage and skill. After the Battle of Crete in 1941, also known as Operation Mercury, they mourned their fallen comrades. Despite their victory, it was a costly one, leading Hitler to restrict large airborne operations.

Pan Am Flight 103 Wreckage (Dec ’88)

Pan Am Flight 103 was exploded mid-air by a terrorist bomb on Dec 21, 1988. Its wreckage was found near Lockerbie, Scotland the next day. The tragic incident, also known as the Lockerbie bombing, killed all 259 people aboard and 11 more on the ground.

Fort Hood Army Day Parade (April 1942)

In April 1942, while preparing for the ‘Army Day’ parade at Fort Hood, Texas, soldiers were unknowingly readying themselves for WWII. Within a few months, many would be deployed, making it a poignant moment in U.S military history.

Soviet Tankers with Lend-Lease (1942)

The Lend-Lease program, established by the US in 1941, significantly aided the Soviets against Nazi Germany in WWII. Thousands of tanks were sent to the USSR, bolstering their defense and shaping the outcome of the war.

Hall of Justice, SF (1906)

Despite the ravages of the 1906 earthquake that leveled much of San Francisco, the city’s Hall of Justice remained standing, demonstrating the soundness of its construction and its resilience amid chaos.

“30th Inf. Div. Marches Through Paris” (1940)

When the German 30th Infantry Division marched through Paris on June 14, 1940, marking the fall of the city in World War II, it was an act of symbolic dominance. Notably, Adolf Hitler himself visited the city the following day.

Native American Football: NY (1901)

The 1901 NY team, known as the “Carlisle Indian Industrial School,” was the first Native American team to win a football championship. Their revolutionary strategies, including the overhand spiral throw, became football standards.

U.S. Paratrooper in Pain (1969)

This photograph captures the intense human cost of the Vietnam War. Taken by Hugh Van Es, who later famously snapped the “last helicopter out of Saigon” photo, it underscores the peril faced by soldiers.

Fleeing Ban Me Thuot (1975)

The fall of Ban Me Thuot in March 1975 marked a turning point in the Vietnam War. The North Vietnamese’s capture of the town led to high-ranking South Vietnamese officials deciding to abandon three-quarters of South Vietnam territory. As a result, thousands of refugees at Ban Me Thuot evacuated en masse to the south, marking one of the largest southern diasporas during the war.

Japanese Soldiers: Cigarettes (1945)

Despite the brutal and intense fighting during the Battle of Iwo Jima, moments of humanity persisted. Captured Japanese soldiers were shown unexpected compassion, often being offered cigarettes, a universal symbol of camaraderie during wartime.

Burakumin Leather Workers (1873)

Despite their integral role in society, the Burakumin were stigmatized in Japan due to religious views associating death with impurity. Their jobs, like leather working, involved animal slaughter, making them ‘unclean’ according to Buddhist beliefs.