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TIL Sgt. Joseph R. Beyrle was captured during the D-Day airborne invasion but later escaped into Soviet lines. He fought with the Soviets and was eventually sent back to the U.S. He was awarded U.S. and Soviet medals.

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e0np5 TIL that the harder you throw an 18th century Tomahawk, the slower it rotates. Applies to knives too.
Ok1R TIL a National Geographic photographer (Arctic specialist) felt “true love” for, and nurtured by, a 1000 lb. leopard seal that could “kill you in an instant” He spent 4 days in the water with her while she continually tried to feed him penguins. (On the link story starts around 51 minutes in)
N7DPb TIL policeman Bob Geary used a dummy as his partner. A new police chief disallowed its usage, so Geary worked to put the usage of the dummy on the ballot. The referendum passed and Geary used the dummy until his retirement 7 years later, at which time the mayor declared the day "Officer Geary Day."
xVNaB TIL that a "Masterpiece" isn't necessarily an artists best ever work. It has it's origin in a master craftsman's show piece for acceptance into a guild, later adopted by apprentice artists as their show piece for their Masters Degree, allowing them to study further - and get better at their craft.
kOJNE TIL In 1979 a stadium hosted Disco Demolition Night. Cost was ¢99 if you brought a disco record. 50,000 people showed up to see them blow up the records in between games. Thousands rushed the field in a frenzy. This is referred to as “The Night Disco Died” and is linked to the decline of the genre