VIETNAM WAR – MORE ICONIC PHOTOS
My last blog made the case why one picture is worth a thousand, if not ten thousand words. The power of images captured at the precise, poignant moment by photojournalists was nothing new in Vietnam. Photos influenced opinion and stirred emotions in other wars. But, because public opinion in America was so divided at the time, 1961 to 1975, a single frame could be a force multiplier with its impact on one’s perception of the Vietnam war.
What might constitute confirmation bias to one person, might be interpreted as propaganda to another. That’s why it’s important to know the backstory the photo is portraying, not just the symbolism. Vietnam was a kaleidoscope of images- some graphic, depicting the horror and brutal nature of war, others touching, full of empathy, human kindness, and courage.
Images take on a special meaning whether you served during a war or not. Here are three more iconic photos that make that point.
Please click on the name (link) of each photo to see the actual image.
The first major battle involving American troops took place in the Vietnam highlands in 1965. Faulty intelligence resulted in our troops’ ambush. Pinned down in the Ia Drang Valley LZ, the Airborne suffered casualties. Nevertheless, courageous dustoff crews evacuated the wounded by helicopter from the hostile mountain jungle inaccessible by road.
This innovative tactic assured the wounded soldier of only a 1% chance of dying if he survived the first 24 hours, a vast improvement from prior wars. (I wrote a blog on dustoffs role in Vietnam – Feel free to read the post.)
This photo was taken during Operation Prairie in which the CO was killed shows a wounded Gunney Sgt, reaching out in compassion to a seriously wounded comrade. The significance and symbolism of this photo goes deep. The backstory goes even deeper.
FAMILY GREETING OF RETURNING POW ’73
Sal Veder captured the joy of a family reunion featured on the front page of LIFE magazine in 1973. The iconic photo features returning POW, Colonel Robert Stirm who landed at Travis AFB, California following almost six years of imprisonment and torture in North Vietnam’s “Hanoi Hilton.” The image captures the happiness words cannot describe as he is reunited with his children and wife.
The photo of the onrushing kids could have represented other reunions of war- separated families. But ,in his case, he endured a tragic fate after being shot down on a mission and suffered as a POW. His backstory is also sad. Please read it for insight on how Vietnam affected many lives after they returned home.
This photo has a special meaning for me. Bob was a personal friend of mine as was his brother. Both have passed on. God bless them. If you read my novel, RECALL, I gave special dedication to him and other close friends who served in the Vietnam war. Bob Stirm deserved a special dedication. He was the definition of a good man.
Finally, while we’re discussing images, note the Huey Dustoff air evac chopper on my cover of my historical narrative, RECALL. That image meant a lifeline to wounded troops in Vietnam. They will not forget the image or the sound of those rotors coming to take them to a field hospital… Ask any vet.
Have you read the VET Book, “Major Battles of the Vietnam War ?
The returning POW’s is one from sure. Lee Ellis from my hometown was one of these.
Personal note: Troop units were so scattered out, that proper accounting of where they were got lost. McNamara caused this, I think.
Roger- I have read over two dozen books on VN, but missed that one. Thanks for the heads up! Did you get a chance to read RECALL yet? It tells you a lot about McNamar ! And, LBJ and Rusk. You can find more info about the book on this site.