April 30, 2015 marks the 40th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam war. Having had family members who served the U.S. during that era continually reminds me of how fortunate we are to live as we do and how Thankful I am to those who've helped serve and protect our great nation past, present, and future. I've always been fascinated with Militaria, from apparel to equipment used and everything inbetween.
Following are some of my faved picking finds of vintage drawings from the Vietnam era. I've held on to these for some time now and hope to frame and display soon. I've "blanked" out some of the wording as they are very inappropriate in nature, but you have to remember, these were difficult times, a different era.
In the drawing above the artist shares a little of what one may have experienced in the jungles of Vietnam. Quite graphic in nature, it truly lends to this soldiers inner most feelings.
The Vietnam War began in the decade before, but the conflict, and especially U.S. involvement, escalated in the 1960s. For the first time, Americans witnessed the horrors of war, played out on television screens in their living rooms.
In the drawing to the right, the artist shares with us a little intimacy. An intimacy with what would become the Vietnam soldiers "Best Friend" a fully automatic rifle known as the M16.
Above is the artists rendition of a grenade similar to the Mk2 "Pineapple".
Here the artist must have been thinking of Home Sweet Home having incorporated the Pineapple grenade as the tires to his 3-wheeled ATV.
Terrifying in just the thought, the artist lends to us how the detonation of a major bomb could potentially pose the depicted horrific effect on a being. Leaving only the skeletal figure and the caption "?".
I only wish I knew who the artist was so that I could express my gratitude for these awesome drawings, but moreso, for his great service and sacrifice.
F-111 Aardvark by
G. Ingram 1989
North American P-51 Mustang by
Doug Kinsley 1991
"Phantom"
"19 years, 5 months, 4 weeks, and 1 day"
April 30, 1975
G. Ingram 1989
Doug Kinsley 1991
"19 years, 5 months, 4 weeks, and 1 day"
April 30, 1975
4 comments:
This brings back some sad memories of a time when so many died and suffered PTSD and flashbacks. They weren't even recognized for their bravery as a soldier who had fought in a "real" war. Times changed, thankfully, and they finally got the recognition they deserved.
Great post!
Yes Dorene it was a terrible war and times here stateside were bad too, so much turmoil. I wasn't quite old enough to serve, but I still remember the carnage on TV. I just wanted to share some of the works from this particular GI as it reflects a bit of his thoughts while there. Forever in my heart. Thanks for visiting and for your comments, truly.
I remember some of what was going on back then. We had a few returning Soldiers come in and talk at our school. I don't think we kids really understood the horror of it all. It's good to remember these things, no matter how sad or difficult.
Hi Diane, thanks for stopping by and yes, I agree, it's good in rememberance.
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