Tom Laemlein
The historian whose archival digging turns forgotten weapons and overlooked battles into The Armory Life's most-read history pieces.
Why He Won
Laemlein primarily covers historical weaponry and military battles, and his articles are consistently popular with readers because his research surfaces little-known information and rare photography.
He has been contributing to The Armory Life since close to the site's launch in 2019. First and foremost a historian, he goes deep into archival research, and that groundwork gives him the insight and source material behind the pieces he writes.
Among his most successful articles in the year that earned him the award were Operation Gunn, a piece on M1 Carbine battlefield modifications, B-17 Gunners vs. the Luftwaffe, and an article on D-Day and the Atlantic Wall. The editors noted that his enthusiasm for history is what makes the work land: he can pitch what sounds like an esoteric idea, and readers respond to it anyway.
Laemlein said the greatest honor was not that he received the award, but that the award exists at all — evidence, in his view, that readers and writers alike are exercising their rights and responsibilities as Americans. On winning the 2024 Cantius Award
What He Received
- A Model 2020 Rimfire Classic rifle in .22 LR, with a wooden stock.
- A framed Cantius Award certificate.
- The Cantius Award jacket in The Armory Life's crimson, with an embroidered gold “A.”
His certificate names him The Armory Life's 2023 Contributor of the Year, reflecting the award's practice of honoring the previous year's work. Of the rifle, Laemlein noted that when he breaks away from the keyboard and gets to the range, the compliments start as soon as he opens the case.
About Tom Laemlein
Tom Laemlein is a historian — which he happily admits might sound mind-numbingly awful to some people, though he enjoys it. His deep dives into historical research keep him mostly out of trouble and, he notes, too often away from the rifle range.
He is the author of more than 30 books on military history and weapons systems. He regularly contributes articles on military history and firearms topics to national magazines and websites, and historical photos from his own collection are used by publishers around the world. Cornered in a corporate environment, he says, he will talk about marketing until someone releases him.
Laemlein is married to a very patient woman, and they live on America's North Coast near Lake Ontario. His regular misadventures with Wally, his young Tibetan Mastiff, remind him that life should be enjoyed full-bore — at least until it is time for a nap.
Sources: The Armory Life Presents This Year's Cantius Award Winner by Mike Humphries, and Tom Laemlein's author page at The Armory Life.