It was a year of war, conflict and contrasts for Stars and Stripes readers.

One war drew to a close while another raged on after nine years. A battle at home — the attempt to repeal the “don’t ask, don’t tell” law in Congress — ended. A South Korean warship sank and sailors died, and the world watched as tensions rose in the divided peninsula.

The first living Medal of Honor recipient for the current wars was celebrated, and the most senior military commander in Afghanistan was brought down by a magazine article. An earthquake devastated Haiti and the military responded. Mental health issues plagued U.S. troops, and the military struggled to respond.

Here are some of the top stories we covered.