Military Traditions
Newly crossed-equator sailors in the U.S. Navy may take part in a ceremony that transforms them from "Pollywogs" into this mythical status.
What are Shellbacks?
This rank-and-file black bear cub became the unofficial mascot of a Wisconsin National Guard unit during World War I and later inspired a famous children's toy.
Who was Smokey?
The Headless Horseman rode on horseback. In the U.S. military, soldiers who historically fought on horseback belonged to this type of unit.
What is the Cavalry?
A spooky superstition says if you light a candle on Halloween and the flame turns this color, you may be in the presence of a spirit
What is blue?
This military branch once tested a "bat bomb," a World War II weapon idea that used live bats carrying tiny incendiary devices
The bat bomb was tested by the United States military — initially under the Army Air Forces, then transferred to the U.S. Navy — as part of Project X‑Ray during World War II
The bat bomb was conceived in January 1942 by Dr. Lytle S. Adams, a Pennsylvania dental surgeon and friend of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt . His idea was to release thousands of Mexican free‑tailed bats, each carrying a tiny, timed napalm incendiary, over Japanese cities built largely of wood and paper The bats would roost in eaves and attics, and the devices would ignite after a set delay.
When a U.S. Navy submarine earns a combat success, crews may fly this pirate flag upon returning to port.
What is the Jolly Roger?
Along with dolphins, the U.S. Navy has used these whiskered marine mammals to recover equipment and detect underwater intruders.
What are sea lions?
This military bugle call can sound especially eerie at dusk and is traditionally played at military funerals and memorial ceremonies.
What is Taps?
This traditional Irish Halloween bread sometimes contains hidden charms that are said to predict your future.
DAILY DOUBLE
What is Brambrack?
Origin: A traditional Irish fruit loaf baked at Halloween with charms hidden inside — a ring meant marriage, a coin meant wealth, a rag meant bad luck.
This is the youngest Medal of Honor recipient
Willie Johnston was a drummer boy in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Born on July 12, 1850, he enlisted in Company D of the 3rd Vermont Infantry at age 11, serving primarily as a drummer to relay commands on the battlefield. During the Seven Days Battles in Virginia in 1862, Johnston distinguished himself by keeping his drum and performing during a critical retreat, even as other soldiers discarded their equipment. For his bravery, he was awarded the Medal of Honor on September 16, 1863, just two months after his 13th birthday
Before their first jump, Army Airborne School graduates are told to pack their cargo pockets with this tasty treat.
What are Hostess Cherry Pies, supposedly “in case you get hungry” — a now-legendary, if impractical, rite?
Sergeant Stubby, the most decorated American war animal of World War I, belonged to this species.
What is a dog?
$1400This mixed-breed dog warned troops of gas attacks, located wounded soldiers, and captured a German spy during World War I.
Response: Who was Sergeant Stubby?
$1600Private First Class Reckless, a highly decorated U.S. military animal during the Korean War, was one of these animals.
Response: What is a horse? (Accept: mare.)
$1800This Marine Corps war horse made dozens of trips carrying ammunition through enemy fire during the Battle of Outpost Vegas in Korea.
Response: Who was Sergeant Reckless?
This decorated Korean War animal received two Purple Hearts, carried thousands of pounds of ammunition, and was later promoted to Staff Sergeant.
Response: Who was Sergeant Reckless?
These are especially good because they feature real U.S. military animals that many players have never heard of, while still being challenging but solvable.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier honors military members whose remains could not be identified. The first Unknown Soldier was buried there after this war.
What is World War I?
This William Shatner mask purchased for $2 was used in this iconic Halloween film.
What is Halloween the movie?
During World War II, pilots reported these, mysterious glowing lights that moved faster than any known aircraft and sometimes appeared to engage in dogfights, yet their origin remains unknown to this day and their name is also a 90's rock band
What are foo fighters?
The annual Army-Navy football game is a beloved tradition that dates back to 1890. This fierce rivalry between the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy is more than just a sports event. It’s a celebration of service, honor, and competition that brings together cadets, midshipmen, and alumni from both institutions. The game is always played on neutral ground and is often attended by high-ranking officials, including the President of the United States.
What is the Army-Navy football game?
The 127th meeting between the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen will take place at MetLife Stadium on December 12th 2026
Private First Class Reckless carried ammunition up and down steep Korean hills, making over 50 trips in a single battle. This type of animal was her species.
DAILY DOUBLE BONUS
What is a horse (mare)?
In military history, Operation Fortitude used fake tanks and troops to deceive Germany before this invasion.
What is D-Day (Normandy Invasion)?
She is the First Lady to decorate the White House for Halloween
Who is First Lady Marnie Eisenhower?
At age 9, this Union Army mascot and drummer survived the Civil War and later retired as a brigadier general.
Who was John Lincoln Clem?
John Lincoln Clem was born on August 13, 1851 and retired from the U.S. Army on August 13, 1915, the day he turned 64 years old. He retired as a Brigadier General and was the last Civil War veteran still on active duty at the time. A year later, Congress advanced him to Major General on the retired list.
Participants often drink from this during official dining-in or dining-out events. This ceremonial military tradition contains a mixture of symbolic ingredients, honors unit history and guests.
If you accidentally break a dining-in rule, you may find yourself visiting this mysterious bowl containing ingredients you definitely should not ask about.
What is the Army Grog Bowl?
This mascot, a live goat, has represented the Naval Academy for over a century.
What is Bill the Goat?
This real military unit of artists, actors, and engineers used inflatable tanks and fake radio traffic to fool German forces during World War II and earned this nickname
During World War II, the Ghost Army, the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops — was a U.S. Army tactical deception unit created in January 1944 to mislead German forces about the size, location, and movements of Allied troops
This is the fear of Halloween
What is Samhainophobia?
FINIAL JEOPARDY
This is the origin of the jack-o-lantern