For as long as there have been wars, there have been good-luck charms carried by soldiers to protect them from harm. Some carry religious medals, while others might try a lucky rabbit's foot. In this 2008 photo from the Korengal Valley of Afghanistan, U.S. Army Spc. Kyle Stephenson, 21, shows a four-leaf clover he carries as his "lucky charm" after climbing a mountain with fellow soldiers in eastern Afghanistan. American forces from 2nd Platoon, Viper Company, of the 1-26 Infantry occupied a strategic mountaintop and were attacked by Taliban insurgents. No Americans were injured in the ensuing firefight and Taliban casualties were unknown. The luck of the Irish was with them. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
