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In June 1966, the Army Vietnam Combat Artists Program was established as part of the United States Army Art Program, utilizing teams of soldier-artists to make pictorial records of
U.S. Army CIRCULAR No. 28-30
(Publication from Headquarters Department of the Army, Washington, D.C., 20 July 1967). Artists interested in joining the program were asked to submit applications through the Army Arts and Crafts Program facilities nearest their unit. Applications were to contain samples of drawings, photographs of paintings and a resume. Selections were made by a committee composed of designated representatives from the Office, Chief of Military History and the Adjutant General's Office. Supervised by Army Art Curator Marian McNaughton. The program was the joint responsibility of the Office, Chief of Military History, and the Adjutant General's Office with support from the Office, Chief of information.
List of U.S. Army Vietnam Combat Artist Team (CAT) members and supervisors from 15 August 1966 – 14 January 1970. (Cities listed reflect information on original applications which are currently in archives of
U.S. Army
The United States Army (USA) is the primary land service branch of the United States Department of Defense. It is designated as the Army of the United States in the United States Constitution.Article II, section 2, clause 1 of the United Stat ...
activities in the course of the Vietnam War
The Vietnam War (1 November 1955 – 30 April 1975) was an armed conflict in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia fought between North Vietnam (Democratic Republic of Vietnam) and South Vietnam (Republic of Vietnam) and their allies. North Vietnam w ...
for the annals of military history
Military history is the study of War, armed conflict in the Human history, history of humanity, and its impact on the societies, cultures and economies thereof, as well as the resulting changes to Politics, local and international relationship ...
. The concept of the Vietnam Combat Art Program had its roots in World War II
World War II or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War II, Allies and the Axis powers. World War II by country, Nearly all of the wo ...
when the U.S. Congress
The United States Congress is the legislative branch of the federal government of the United States. It is a bicameral legislature, including a lower body, the U.S. House of Representatives, and an upper body, the U.S. Senate. They both ...
authorized the Army to use soldier-artists to record military operations
A military operation (op) is the coordinated military actions of a state, or a non-state actor, in response to a developing situation. These actions are designed as a military plan to resolve the situation in the state or actor's favor. Operatio ...
in 1944."Portrait of an Army" General Gordon R. Sullivan, Editor; Marylou Gjernes, Art Editor. (Center of Military History, United States Army, Washington, D.C. 1991), pp. 177-179.
During the Vietnam Era
Vietnam Era is a term used by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to classify veterans who served during the Vietnam War
The Vietnam War (1 November 1955 – 30 April 1975) was an armed conflict in Vietnam, Laos, and Ca ...
, the U.S. Army Chief of Military History asked Marian McNaughton, then Curator
A curator (from , meaning 'to take care') is a manager or overseer. When working with cultural organizations, a curator is typically a "collections curator" or an "exhibitions curator", and has multifaceted tasks dependent on the particular ins ...
for the Army Art Collection, to develop a plan for a Vietnam
Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV), is a country at the eastern edge of mainland Southeast Asia, with an area of about and a population of over 100 million, making it the world's List of countries and depende ...
soldier art program. The result was the creation in 1966 of the U. S. Army Vietnam Combat Art Program under the direction of the Office of Chief of Military History and McNaughton's office. Her plan included involving the U.S. Army Arts and Crafts Program, then headed by Eugenia Nowlin. McNaughton's office relied on Nowlin and her cadre of local Army Arts and Crafts directors to solicit applications from soldiers, which were forwarded to McNaughton's office at the U.S. Army Center of Military History
The United States Army Center of Military History (CMH) is a directorate within the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command. The Institute of Heraldry remains within the Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Arm ...
, where selection and team assignments were made.McNaughton, Marian R. Telephone Interview with James Pollock 10 August 2003. (During the Vietnam War era McNaughton was Curator of Paintings, Army Art Collection, Office Chief of Military History). The U.S. Army provided logistics support as the teams of artists were sent to Vietnam
Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV), is a country at the eastern edge of mainland Southeast Asia, with an area of about and a population of over 100 million, making it the world's List of countries and depende ...
and then to Hawaii
Hawaii ( ; ) is an island U.S. state, state of the United States, in the Pacific Ocean about southwest of the U.S. mainland. One of the two Non-contiguous United States, non-contiguous U.S. states (along with Alaska), it is the only sta ...
."Announcement of US Army Vietnam Combat Artist Program for FY 1968 including overview and application instructions"U.S. Army CIRCULAR No. 28-30
(Publication from Headquarters Department of the Army, Washington, D.C., 20 July 1967). Artists interested in joining the program were asked to submit applications through the Army Arts and Crafts Program facilities nearest their unit. Applications were to contain samples of drawings, photographs of paintings and a resume. Selections were made by a committee composed of designated representatives from the Office, Chief of Military History and the Adjutant General's Office. Supervised by Army Art Curator Marian McNaughton. The program was the joint responsibility of the Office, Chief of Military History, and the Adjutant General's Office with support from the Office, Chief of information.
History
Nine Combat Artist Teams (CATs) operated inVietnam
Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV), is a country at the eastern edge of mainland Southeast Asia, with an area of about and a population of over 100 million, making it the world's List of countries and depende ...
. Typically, each team consisted of five soldier artists who spent 60 days of temporary duty ( TDY) in Vietnam
Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV), is a country at the eastern edge of mainland Southeast Asia, with an area of about and a population of over 100 million, making it the world's List of countries and depende ...
gathering information and making preliminary sketches of U.S. Army related activities. The teams then transferred to Hawaii
Hawaii ( ; ) is an island U.S. state, state of the United States, in the Pacific Ocean about southwest of the U.S. mainland. One of the two Non-contiguous United States, non-contiguous U.S. states (along with Alaska), it is the only sta ...
for an additional 75 days to finish their work. Artists were given artistic freedom and encouraged to depict subjects in their own individual styles. Art created by soldier artists became a part of the U.S. Army Art Collection maintained by the U.S. Army Center of Military History (CMH), Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly known as Washington or D.C., is the capital city and federal district of the United States. The city is on the Potomac River, across from Virginia, and shares land borders with ...
On 17 March 1969, due to the widespread interest shown by soldier artists and the impact of their work throughout the Army, the official name was changed from the VIETNAM COMBAT ART PROGRAM to the ARMY ARTIST PROGRAM. Coverage was expanded to include portraying the U.S. Army worldwide.
U.S. Army soldier artist participants
List of U.S. Army Vietnam Combat Artist Team (CAT) members and supervisors from 15 August 1966 – 14 January 1970. (Cities listed reflect information on original applications which are currently in archives of U.S. Army Center of Military History
The United States Army Center of Military History (CMH) is a directorate within the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command. The Institute of Heraldry remains within the Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Arm ...
).
* CAT I, 15 Aug - 15 Dec 1966, Roger A. Blum ( Stillwell, KS), Robert C. Knight (Newark, NJ
Newark ( , ) is the most populous city in the U.S. state of New Jersey, the county seat of Essex County, and a principal city of the New York metropolitan area.East Hartford, CT), Paul Rickert (
" James Pollock
, An International Journal of the Humanities, (Volume 21, 2009, Published by the Department of English and Fine Arts, United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado), pp. 247-272. (in public domain
essay:
James Pollock, who in 1967 served as a soldier artist on U. S. Army Vietnam Combat Artist Team IV (CAT IV), chronicled his experience in an essay entitled
US Army Soldier-Artists in Vietnam
for " War, Literature & the Arts: An International Journal of the Humanities" published by the department of English and Fine Arts, United States Air Force Academy. In the essay Pollock wrote: "The idea of rotating teams of young soldier-artists from a variety of backgrounds and experiences through Vietnam was innovative. Soldier-artists were encouraged to freely express and interpret their individual experience in their own distinct styles. The artists responded enthusiastically to their artistic , and the resulting products were wide-ranging and comprehensive. Styles and
interviewed
combat artist James Pollock about his experiences in the Vietnam Combat Art Program. In September 2017, South Dakota Public Broadcasting produced a video about the Vietnam Combat Artists Program entitled
The Art of War
as part of thei
SD Vietnam Stories
project produced to accompany the broadcast of Ken Burns' "The Vietnam War" series.
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT01RogerBlum1966TheLostofWar.jpg, THE LOST OF WAR by Roger A. Blum, CAT I, 1966
File:CAT01Blum02 elephantgrassLR.jpg, ELEPHANT GRASS by Roger A. Blum, CAT I, 1966
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT01Blum1966GrenadeThrower.jpg, GRENADE THROWER by Roger Blum, CAT I, 1966
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT01Blum1966SwampPatrol.jpg, SWAMP PATROL by Roger Blum, CAT I, 1966
File:VietnamCombatArtProgramCAT01RobertCKnightWounded.jpg, WOUNDED by Robert C. Knight, CAT I, 1966
File:VietnamCombatArtProgramCAT01RobertCKnightNursing.jpg, NURSING by Robert C. Knight, CAT I, 1966
File:VietnamCombatArtProgramCAT01RobertCKnightPageFromSketchbook.jpg, PAGE FROM SKETCHBOOK by Robert C. Knight, CAT I, 1966
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT01PaulRickertVietnameseWoman.jpg, VIETNAMESE WOMAN by Paul Rickert, CAT I, 1966
File:VietnamCombatArtProgramCAT01PaulRickertReligiousServices.jpg, RELIGIOUS SERVICES 1st CAV AKA THY ROD and THY STAFF, THEY COMFORT ME by Paul Rickert, CAT I, 1966
File:VietnamCombatArtPaulRickertCombatArtistAtWorkCAT011966.jpg, Combat Artist At Work by Paul Rickert, CAT I, 1966
File:VietnamCombatArtProgramCAT01FelixRSanchezBog-Down.jpg, BOG-DOWN by Felix R. Sanchez, CAT I, 1966
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT01JohnOWehrleGunship.jpg, GUNSHIP by John O. Wehrle, CAT I, 1966
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT01JohnOWehrleLandingZone.jpg, LANDING ZONE by John O. Wehrle, CAT I, 1966
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT011966JohnOWehrleRappeling.jpg, RAPPELING by John O. Wehrle, CAT I, 1966
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT 011966JohnOWehrleFDCBravoCo25thInfantryDiv.jpg, FDC BRAVO CO 25TH INFANTRY DIVISION by John O. Wehrle, CAT I, 1966
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT011966JohnOWehrleIntensiveCareWard3rdFieldHospitalRVN.jpg, INTENSIVE CARE WARD 3RD FIELD HOSPITAL RVN by John O. Wehrle, CAT I, 1966
File:Attack At Twilight by Roger Blum.jpg, ATTACK AT TWILIGHT by Roger Blum, CAT I, 1966
File:Infantry Soldiers by Roger Blum.jpg, INFANTRY SOLDIERS by Roger Blum, CAT I, 1966
File:Convoy by Roger Blum CATI 1966.jpg, CONVOY by Roger Blum, CAT I, 1966
File:Convoy Through Saigon by Robert Knight CATI 1966.jpg, CONVOY THROUGH SAIGON by Robert Knight, CAT I, 1966
File:Reinforcements Landing by Ronald Pepin CATI 1966.jpg, REINFORCEMENTS LANDING by Ronald Pepin, CAT I, 1966
File:Searching a Village by Robert Knight CATI 1966.jpg, SEARCHING A VILLAGE by Robert Knight, CAT I, 1966
File:Swamp Patrol by Felix Sanchez CatI 1966.jpg, SWAMP PATROL by Felix Sanchez, CAT I, 1966
File:Tank in HOBO Woods by Ronald Pepin CATI 1966.jpg, TANK IN HOBO WOODS by Ronald Pepin, CAT I, 1966
File:Vietnamese Soldiers Board Helicopter by Robert Knight CATI 1966.jpg, VIETNAMESE SOLDIERS BOARD HELICOPTER by Robert Knight, CAT I, 1966
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT02AugustineGAcunaScoutDog.jpg, SCOUT DOG by Augustine G. Acuna, CAT II, 1966–67
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT02AlexanderABogdanovichBodyCount.jpg, BODY COUNT by Alexander A. Bogdanovich, CAT II, 1966–67
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT02DavidMLavenderReconnaisancePatrol.jpg, RECONNAISSANCE PATROL NEAR SOUTH CHINA SEA by David M. Lavender, CAT II, 1966–67
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT02GaryWPorterSecondPlatoonAssault.jpg, SECOND PLATOON ASSAULT by Gary W. Porter, CAT II, 1966–67
File:Beat by Augustine A Acuna CATII 1966-67.jpg, BEAT by Augustine G. Acuna, CAT II, 1966–67
File:Birds of Prey by Augustine A Acuna CATII 1966-67.jpg, BIRDS OF PREY by Augustine G. Acuna, CAT II, 1966–67
File:Interrogation by Augustine G AcunaCATII 1966-67.jpg, INTERROGATION by Augustine G. Acuna, CAT II, 1966–67
File:Members of the Civilian Irregular Defense Group by Augustine G Acuna CATII 1966-67.jpg, MEMBERS OF THE CIVILIAN IRREGULAR DEFENSE GROUP by Augustine G. Acuna, CAT II, 1966–67
File:Sketch of a soldier I by Theodore E Drendel CATII 1966-67.jpg, SKETCH OF A SOLDIER I by Theodore E. Drendel, CAT II, 1966–67
File:Sketch of a soldier II by Theodore E Drendel CATII 1966-67.jpg, SKETCH OF A SOLDIER II by Theodore E. Drendel, CAT II, 1966–67
File:Street Scene by David M Lavender CATII 1966-67.jpg, STREET SCENE by David M. Lavender, CAT II, 1966–67
File:The Barber by Alexander A Bogdanovitch CATII 1966-67.jpg, THE BARBER by Alexander A. Bogdanovitch, CAT II, 1966–67
File:The Rice Paddies by Augustine G Acuna CATII 1966-67.jpg, THE RICE PADDIES by Augustine G. Acuna, CAT II, 1966–67
File:The Veteran by Augustine G Acuna CATII 1966-67.jpg, THE VETERAN by Augustine G. Acuna, CAT II, 1966–67
File:Vietcong by Gary W Porter CATII 1966-67.jpg, VIETCONG by Gary W. Porter, CAT II, 1966–67
File:Waiting by Gary W Porter CATII 1966-67.jpg, WAITING by Gary W. Porter, CAT II, 1966–67
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT03MichaelRCrookMontagnard.jpg, MONTAGNARD NEAR PLEIDJERONG I by Michael R. Crook, CAT III, 1967
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT03DennisOMcGeeMedCap.jpg, MED CAP by Dennis O. McGee, CAT III, 1967
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT03RobertTMeyersPerimeteratArtyPass.jpg, PERIMETER OF ARTY PASS AT BEAR CAT by Robert T. Myers, CAT III, 1967
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT03KennethJScocroftTheInnocent.jpg, THE INNOCENT by Kenneth J. Scowcroft, CAT III, 1967
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT03StephenHSheldonAftertheBattle.jpg, AFTER THE BATTLE by Stephen H. Sheldon CAT III 1967
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT03StephenHSheldonChaplainMartinsBible.jpg, CHAPLAIN MARTINS BIBLE Stephen H. Sheldon, CAT III, 1967
File:9th Infantry Division GI by Michael Crook.jpg, 9TH INFANTRY DIVISION GI by Michael R. Crook, CAT III, 1967
File:Perimeter Patrol by Michael Crook,.jpg, PERIMETER PATROL by Michael R. Crook, CAT III, 1967
File:Armored Vehicle at Bong Son by Dennis O McGee CATIII 1967.jpg, ARMORED VEHICLE AT BONG SON by Dennis O. McGee, CAT III, 1967
File:Chieu Hoi or Die by Michael R Crook CATIII 1967.jpg, CHIEU HOI OR DIE by Michael R. Crook, CAT III, 1967
File:Delta Dust Off by Robert T Myers CATIII 1967.jpg, DELTA DUST OFF by Robert T. Myers, CAT III, 1967
File:Delta Sunrise by Stephen H Sheldon CATIII 1967.jpg, DELTA SUNRISE by Stephen H. Sheldon, CAT III, 1967
File:Easter Sunrise by Michael R Crook CATIII 1967.jpg, EASTER SUNRISE by Michael R. Crook, CAT III, 1967
File:Gunship in the Delta by Stephen H Sheldon CATIII 1967.jpg, GUNSHIP IN THE DELTA by Stephen H. Sheldon, CAT III, 1967
File:Welcome Relief by Kenneth J Scowcroft CATIII 1967.jpg, WELCOME RELIEF by Kenneth J. Scowcroft, CAT III, 1967
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT04SamuelEAlexanderGIConvoy.jpg, GI CONVOY-EASY TOUCH by Samuel E. Alexander, CAT IV, 1967
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT04SamuelEAlexanderAmericanDoctorExaminesVietnameseChild.jpg, AMERICAN DOCTOR EXAMINES VIETNAMESE CHILD by Samuel E. Alexander, CAT IV, 1967
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT04DanielTLopezReconnaisance.jpg, RECONNAISSANCE, LONG BINH by Daniel T. Lopez, CAT IV, 1967
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT04BurdellMoodyCharliesubdued.jpg, CHARLIE SUBDUED by Burdell Moody, CAT IV, 1967
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT04BurdellMoodyKilledinAction.jpg, KILLED IN ACTION by Burdell Moody, CAT IV, 1967
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT04BurdellMoodyNightOperation.jpg, NIGHT OPERATION by Burdell Moody, CAT IV, 1967
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT04BurdellMoodyBigandLittleFirepower.jpg, BIG AND LITTLE FIREPOWER by Burdell Moody, CAT IV, 1967
File:VietnamCombatArtDownTrailbyJamesPollock.jpg, LOOKING DOWN THE TRAIL, Watercolor, by James Pollock, CAT IV, 1967
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT04JamesPollockDoorGunner.jpg, DOOR GUNNER, Pen and Ink, by James Pollock, CAT IV, 1967
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT04JamesPollockGICardgame.jpg, GI CARD GAME, Watercolor, by James Pollock, CAT IV, 1967
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT04JamesPollockLonesome.jpg, LONESOME, Mixed Media, by James Pollock, CAT IV, 1967
File:VietnamCombatArtCATJamesPollockWaitingInterrogation.jpg, WAITING INTERROGATION,199th LT INF BG, Watercolor, by James Pollock, CAT IV, 1967
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT04JamesPollockWaitingtoLiftOff.jpg, WAITING TO LIFT OFF, Ink/Watercolor Wash, by James Pollock, CAT IV, 1967
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT04JamesPollockMedEvacuation.jpg, MED EVACUATION (93rd EVACUATION), Oil, by James Pollock, CAT IV, 1967
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT04JamesPollockFieldHaircutatBigRedOne.jpg, FIELD HAIRCUT AT BIG RED ONE, Ink/Watercolor wash, by James Pollock, CAT IV, 1967
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT04JamesPollockLocals.jpg, LOCALS, Oil, by James Pollock, CAT IV, 1967
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT04JamesPollock199thSoldiersWait.jpg, 199th SOLDIERS WAIT, Gouache, by James Pollock, CAT IV, 1967
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT04JamesPollockOldVietnameseMan.jpg, OLD VIETNAMESE MAN, Ink Wash, by James Pollock, CAT IV, 1967
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT04JamesPollockBackFromPatrol.jpg, BACK FROM PATROL, Oil, by James Pollock, CAT IV, 1967
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT04JamesPollockTakingaBreak.jpg, TAKING A BREAK, Oil, by James Pollock, CAT IV, 1967
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT04JamesPollockAirController196thLIB.jpg, AIR CONTROLLER 196th LIB, Pen and Ink, by James Pollock, CAT IV, 1967
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT04JamesPollockFieldService.jpg, FIELD SERVICE, Oil (unfinished), by James Pollock, CAT IV, 1967
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT04RonaldAWilsonUnrealRealities.jpg, UNREAL by Ronald A. Wilson, CAT IV, 1967
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT04RonaldAWilsonLoadedDown.jpg, LOADED by Ronald A. Wilson, CAT IV, 1967
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT04RonaldAWilsonMortarAttackCounterfire.jpg, SPOOKY Ronald A. Wilson, CAT IV, 1967
File:Jungle Column by Samuel B Alexander.jpg, JUNGLE COLUMN by Samuel B. Alexander, CAT IV, 1967
File:Ten Minute Break by Samuel B Alexander.jpg, TEN MINUTE BREAK by Samuel B Alexander, CAT IV, 1967
File:Between Patrols 199th Near Cat Lai by James Pollock CATIV 1967.jpg, BETWEEN PATROLS 199TH NEAR CAT LAI by James Pollock, CAT IV, 1967
File:COBRAS by Ronald A Wilson CATIV 1967.jpg, COBRAS by Ronald A. Wilson, CAT IV, 1967
File:JUNGLE by Ronald A Wilson CATIV 1967.jpg, JUNGLE by Ronald A. Wilson, CAT IV, 1967
File:LIFELINE by Ronald A Wilson CATIV 1967.jpg, LIFELINE by Ronald A. Wilson, CAT IV, 1967
File:MARKER by Ronald A Wilson CATIV 1967.jpg, MARKER by Ronald A. Wilson, CAT IV, 1967
File:STARLIGHT by Ronald A Wilson CATIV 1967.jpg, STARLIGHT by Ronald A. Wilson, CAT IV, 1967
File:VC by Ronald A Wilson CATIV 1967.jpg, VC by Ronald A. Wilson, CAT IV, 1967
File:Untitled Choppers by James Pollock CATIV 1967.jpg, UNTITLED CHOPPERS by James Pollock, CAT IV, 1967
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT05WarrenWBuchananListening.jpg, LISTENING by Warren W. Buchanan, CAT V, 1967–68
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT05PhilipVGarnerHurt.jpg, HURT by Philip V. Garner, CAT V, 1967–68
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT05PhillipWJonesLastStandLR.jpg, LAST STAND by Phillip W. Jones, CAT V, 1967–68
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT05DonRScholTheEnemy.jpg, THE ENEMY? by Don R. Schol, CAT V, 1967–68
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT05JohnRStrong3WarMan.jpg, 3 WAR MAN by John R. Strong, CAT V, 1967–68
File:A Hat For A Lady by Philip W Jones CATV 1967-68.jpg, A HAT FOR A LADY by Philip W. Jones, CAT V, 1967–68
File:Dong Tam Scene by Don R Schol CATV 1967-68.jpg, DONG TAM SCENE by Don R. Schol, CAT V, 1967–68
File:Refueling by Warren W Buchanan CATV 1967-68.jpg, REFUELING by Warren W. Buchanan, CAT V, 1967–68
File:Replacements by John R Strong CATV 1967-68.jpg, REPLACEMENTS by John R. Strong, CAT V, 1967–68
File:Untitled by Philip W Jones CATV 1967-68.jpg, UNTITLED by Philip W. Jones, CAT V, 1967–68
File:Vietnamese Woman by Philip V Garner CATV 1967-68.jpg, Vietnamese Woman by Philip V. Garner, CAT V, 1967–68
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT06RobertTColeman5thSpecialForcesPatrol.jpg, 5th SPECIAL FORCES PATROL by Robert T. Coleman, CAT VI, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT06RobertTColemanSearchforAmmoCache.jpg, SEARCH FOR AMMO CACHE (11th CAV) by Robert T. Coleman, CAT VI, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT06RobertTColemanTroopCommandPost.jpg, TROOP COMMAND POST by Robert T. Coleman, CAT VI, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT06DavidNFairringtonTimeout.jpg, TIME OUT by David N. Fairrington, CAT VI, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT06DavidNFarringtonLongBinh.jpg, LONG BINH by David N. Fairrington, CAT VI, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtInTheFieldbyDavidFairringtonCATVI1968.jpg, IN THE FIELD by David N. Fairrington, CAT VI, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtNavysBestbyDavidFairringtonCATVI1968.jpg, NAVY'S BEST by David N. Fairrington, CAT VI, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtWaitingbyDavidFairringtonCATVI1968.jpg, WAITING by David N. Fairrington, CAT VI, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtYoungGirlsbyDavidFairringtonCATVI1968.jpg, YOUNG GIRLS by David N. Fairrington, CAT VI, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtBigGunsbyDavidFairringtonCATVI1968.jpg, BIG GUNS by David N. Fairrington, CAT VI, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtTheLadiesbyDavidFairringtonCATVI1968.jpg, THE LADIES by David N. Fairrington, CAT VI, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtYeaVietnambyDavidFairringtonCATVI1968.jpg, YEA VIETNAM by David N. Fairrington, CAT VI, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT06JohnDKurtzCavalryTrooper.jpg, CAVALRY TROOPER by John D. Kurtz IV, CAT VI, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtCat06JohnDKurtzChoppers.jpg, CHOPPERS by John D. Kurtz IV, CAT VI, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT06KennethTMcDanielUntitled.jpg, UNTITLED by Kenneth T. McDaniel, CAT VI, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT06MichaelPPalaPotableWater.jpg, POTABLE WATER by Michael P. Pala, CAT VI, 1968
File:Break Time by Kenneth T McDaniel CATVI 1968.jpg, BREAK TIME by Kenneth T. McDaniel, CAT VI, 1968
File:Member of Air Force Special Troops by David N Fairrington CATVI 1968.jpg, MEMBER OF AIR FORCE SPECIAL TROOPS by David N. Fairrington, CAT VI, 1968
File:Sentinel by Michael P Pala CATVI 1968.jpg, SENTINEL by Michael P. Pala, CAT VI, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT07BrianHClarkChopPickup.jpg, CHOPPER PICK-UP by Brian H. Clark, CAT VII, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT07WilliamEFlahertySoldierResting.jpg, SOLDIER RESTING by William E. Flaherty Jr., CAT VII, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT07WilliamEFlahertySDMission.jpg, S & D MISSION by William E. Flaherty Jr., CAT VII, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT07WilliamCHarringtonAPC-RPG-1.jpg, APC-RPG-1 by William C. Harrington, CAT VII, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT07BarryWJohnstonMedcap.jpg, MEDCAP by Barry W. Johnston, CAT VII, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT07BarryWJohnston500MeterstotheFront.jpg, 500 METERS TO THE FRONT by Barry W. Johnston, CAT VII, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtCat07StephenHRandallFirefight.jpg, FIREFIGHT by Stephen H. Randall, CAT VII, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT07StephenHRandallLetterToHome.jpg, LETTER TO HOME by Stephen H. Randall, CAT VII, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtCobrabyStephenHRandallCATVII1968.JPG, COBRA by Stephen H. Randall, CAT VII, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtHardLaborbyStephenHRandallCATVII1968.JPG, HARD LABOR by Stephen H. Randall, CAT VII, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtFlamerbyStephenHRandallCATVII1968.jpg, FLAMER by Stephen H. Randall, CAT VII, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtGetThemOutbyStephenHRandallCATVII1968.JPG, GET THEM OUT by Stephen H. Randall, CAT VII, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtISeeItbyStephenHRandallCATVII1968.JPG, I SEE IT by Stephen H. Randall, CAT VII, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtSoldiersbyStephenHRandallCATVII1968.JPG, SOLDIERS by Stephen H. Randall, CAT VII, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtTankbyStephenHRandallCATVII1968.jpg, TANK by Stephen H. Randall, CAT VII, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtSilentSweatbyStephenHRandallCATVII1968.JPG, SILENT SWEAT by Stephen H. Randall, CAT VII, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtOverTherebyStephenHRandallCATVII1968.JPG, OVER THERE by Stephen H. Randall, CAT VII, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtFigureStudybyStephenHRandallCATVII1968.jpg, FIGURE STUDY by Stephen H. Randall, CAT VII, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtEarlyMorningbyStephenHRandallCATVII1968.jpg, EARLY MORNING by Stephen H. Randall, CAT VII, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtDockoftheBaybyStephenHRandallCATVII1968.jpg, DOCK OF THE BAY by Stephen H. Randall, CAT VII, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtCommunicationbyStephenHRandallCATVII1968.jpg, COMMUNICATION by Stephen H. Randall, CAT VII, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtMountainClimberbyStephenHRandallCATVII1968.JPG, MOUNTAIN CLIMBER by Stephen H. Randall, CAT VII, 1968
File:American Gothic by William C Harrington CATVII 1968.jpg, AMERICAN GOTHIC by William C. Harrington, CATVII, 1968
File:Captive by Barry W Johnston CATVII 1968.jpg, CAPTIVE by Barry W. Johnston, CAT VII, 1968
File:Dust Off Aloft by Brian H Clark CATVII 1968.jpg, DUST OFF ALOFT by Brian H. Clark, CAT VII, 1968
File:Hard Labor In A Rice Paddy by Stephen H Randall CATVII 1968.jpg, HARD LABOR IN A RICE PADDY by Stephen H. Randall, CAT VII, 1968
File:Loading Dock by unknown artist CATVII 1968.jpg, LOADING DOCK by Unknown Artist, CAT VII, 1968
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT08EdwardJBowenCampinAmericanDivision.jpg, CAMP IN AMERICAN DIVISION by Edward J. Bowen, CAT VIII, 1969
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT08JamesRDrakeSaturdayUptown.jpg, SATURDAY UPTOWN by James R. Drake, CAT VIII, 1969
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT08JamesRDrakeLongRangePatrol.jpg, LONG RANGE PATROL by James R. Drake, CAT VIII, 1969
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT08RomanRakowskyBodyCountNo5.jpg, BODY COUNT No. 5 by Roman Rakowskky, CAT VIII, 1969
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT08RomanRakowskyPrisonerBlindfolded.jpg, PRISONER BLINDFOLDED by Roman Rakowsky, CAT VIII, 1969
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT08VictoryVReynoldsCombatEngineer.jpg, COMBAT ENGINEER by Victory V. Reynolds, CAT VIII, 1969
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT08ThomasBSchubertBridgeBunkerwithGuard.jpg, BRIDGE BUNKER WITH GUARD by Thomas B. Schubert, CAT VIII, 1969
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT08ThomasBSchubertDanTiengTower.jpg, DAN TIENG OBSERVATION TOWER by Thomas B. Schubert, CAT VIII, 1969
File:APC by Edward J Bowen CATVIII 1969.jpg, APC by Edward J. Bowen, CATVIII, 1969
File:Market Place by Victory V Reynolds CATVIII 1969.jpg, MARKET PLACE by Victory V. Reynolds, CAT VIII, 1969
File:On A Long Range Patrol by James R Drake CATVIII 1969.jpg, ON A LONG RANGE PATROL by James R. Drake, CAT VIII, 1969
File:Waiting by Victory V Reynolds CATVIII 1969.jpg, WAITING by Victory V. Reynolds, CAT VIII, 1969
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT09DavidEGravesAPC.jpg, APC by David E. Graves, CAT IX, 1969–70
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT09JamesSHardyRicePaddy.jpg, RICE PADDY by James S. Hardy, CAT IX, 1969–70
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT09WilliamRHoettelsRiceMillMyTho.jpg, RICE MILL, MY THO by William R. Hoettels, CAT IX, 1969–70
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT09BruceNRigbyGroundGuide.jpg, GROUND GUIDE by Bruce N. Rigby, CAT IX, 1969–70
File:VietnamCombatArtCAT09CraigLStewartChieuHoiMission.jpg, CHIEU HOI MISSION by Craig L. Stewart, CAT IX, 1969–70
File:APC on the DMZ by James S Hardy CATIX 1969-70.jpg, APC ON THE DMZ by James S. Hardy, CAT IX, 1969–70
File:Bien Dien Bridge by William R Hoettels CATIX 1969-70.jpg, BIEN DIEN BRIDGE by William R. Hoettels, CAT IX, 1969–70
File:Delta Village by William R Hoettels CATIX 1969-70.jpg, DELTA VILLAGE by William R. Hoettels, CAT IX, 1969–70
File:Firebase Rendezvous by Craig L Stewart CATIX 1969-70.jpg, FIREBASE RENDEZVOUS by Craig L. Stewart, CAT IX, 1969–70
File:M-48 Tank by David E Graves CATIX 1969-70.jpg, M-48 TANK by David E. Graves, CAT IX, 1969–70
File:Tank by Bruce N Rigby CATIX 1969-70.jpg, TANK by Bruce N. Rigby, CAT IX, 1969–70
Artwork from the Art Program
at the
Humanities Magazine September/October 2011: Volume 32, Number 5
by Lance Nixon, Capital Journal (South Dakota), 17 January 2014.
by Lance Nixon, Capital Journal (South Dakota), 23 January 2014.
by Dave Askins, Capital Journal (South Dakota), 20 April 2018.
Combat artists share ware experiences
by Kerri Lawrence, National Archives News, 9 April 2018
National Aarchives Facebook Combat Art Panel
US Army Soldier-Artists in Vietnam (CAT IV, 15 August to 31 December, 1967)
by James Pollock, War, Literature & the Arts: An International Journal of the Humanities, free downloadable PDF South Dakota State University Open PRAIRIE repository/2009 Volume 21
SDPB Radio Interview MIDDAY
Karl Gehrke interviews James Pollock, 10 June 2015. {{USMILHIST United States Army projects Works about Vietnam Vietnam War War art Arts organizations based in the United States
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia ( ), colloquially referred to as Philly, is the List of municipalities in Pennsylvania, most populous city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and the List of United States cities by population, sixth-most populous city in the Unit ...
), Felix R. Sanchez ( Fort Madison, IA), John O. Wehrle (Dallas, TX
Dallas () is a city in the U.S. state of Texas and the most populous city in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, the List of Texas metropolitan areas, most populous metropolitan area in Texas and the Metropolitan statistical area, fourth-most ...
), and supervisor, Frank M. Sherman.
* CAT II, 15 Oct 1966 – 15 Feb 1967, Augustine G. Acuna (Monterey, CA
Monterey ( ; ) is a city situated on the southern edge of Monterey Bay, on the Central Coast of California. Located in Monterey County, the city occupies a land area of and recorded a population of 30,218 in the 2020 census.
The city was foun ...
), Alexander A. Bogdanovich (Chicago, IL
Chicago is the List of municipalities in Illinois, most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. With a population of 2,746,388, as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it is the List of Unite ...
), Theodore E. Drendel (Naperville, IL
Naperville ( ) is a city in DuPage and Will counties in the U.S. state of Illinois. It is a southwestern suburb of Chicago located west of the city on the DuPage River. As of the 2020 census, its population was 149,540, making it the state's ...
), David M. Lavender (Houston, TX
Houston ( ) is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Texas and in the Southern United States. Located in Southeast Texas near Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, it is the seat of Harris County, as well as the principal city of ...
), Gary W. Porter (El Cajon, CA
El Cajon ( , ; Spanish: El Cajón, lit. 'the box') is a city in San Diego County, California, United States, east of downtown San Diego. The city takes its name from Rancho El Cajón, which was named for the box-like shape of the valley tha ...
), and supervisor, Carolyn M. O'Brien.
* CAT III, 16 Feb - 17 June 1967, Michael R. Crook ( Sierra Madre, CA), Dennis O. McGee ( Castro Valley, CA), Robert T. Myers (White Sands Missile Range
White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) is a United States Army military testing area and firing range located in the US state of New Mexico. The range was originally established in 1941 as the Alamogordo Bombing and Gunnery Range, where the Trinity t ...
, NM), Kenneth J. Scowcroft ( Manassas, VA), Stephen H. Sheldon (Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, often referred to by its initials L.A., is the most populous city in the U.S. state of California, and the commercial, financial, and cultural center of Southern California. With an estimated 3,878,704 residents within the city ...
), and supervisor, C. Bruce Smyser.
* CAT IV, 15 Aug - 31 Dec 1967, Samuel E. Alexander ( Philadelphia, MS), Daniel T. Lopez (Fresno, CA
Fresno (; ) is a city in the San Joaquin Valley of California, United States. It is the county seat of Fresno County, California, Fresno County and the largest city in the greater Central Valley (California), Central Valley region. It covers a ...
), Burdell Moody ( Mesa, AZ), James R. Pollock ( Pollock, SD), Ronald A. Wilson ( Lakewood, CA), and technical supervisor, Frank M. Thomas.
* CAT V, 1 Nov 1967 – 15 March 1968, Warren W. Buchanan (Kansas City, MO
Kansas City, Missouri, abbreviated KC or KCMO, is the largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri by List of cities in Missouri, population and area. The city lies within Jackson County, Missouri, Jackson, Clay County, Missouri, Clay, and Pl ...
), Philip V. Garner ( Dearborn, MI), Phillip W. Jones ( Greensboro, NC), Don R. Schol ( Denton, TX), John R. Strong (Kanehoe, HI), and technical supervisor, Frank M. Thomas.
* CAT VI, 1 Feb - 15 June 1968, Robert T. Coleman (Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids is the largest city and county seat of Kent County, Michigan, United States. With a population of 198,917 at the 2020 census and estimated at 200,117 in 2024, Grand Rapids is the second-most populous city in Michigan. The Gran ...
), David N. Fairrington (Oakland, CA
Oakland is a city in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area in the U.S. state of California. It is the county seat and most populous city in Alameda County, California, Alameda County, with a population of 440,646 in 2020. A major We ...
), John D. Kurtz IV ( Wilmington, DE), Kenneth T. McDaniel ( Paris, TN), Michael P. Pala ( Bridgeport, CT).
* CAT VII, 15 Aug - 31 Dec 1968, Brian H. Clark ( Huntington, NY), William E. Flaherty Jr. (Louisville, KY
Louisville is the most populous city in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, sixth-most populous city in the Southeast, and the 27th-most-populous city in the United States. By land area, it is the country's 24th-largest city; however, by populatio ...
), William C. Harrington (Terre Haute, IN
Terre Haute ( ) is a city in Vigo County, Indiana, United States, and its county seat. As of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, the city had a population of 58,389 and Terre Haute metropolitan area, its metropolitan area had a populati ...
), Barry W. Johnston ( Huntsville, AL), Stephen H. Randall (Des Moines, IA
Des Moines is the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of cities in Iowa, most populous city in the U.S. state of Iowa. It is the county seat of Polk County, Iowa, Polk County with parts extending into Warren County, Iowa, Wa ...
), and supervisor, Fitzallen N. Yow.
* CAT VIII, 1 Feb - 15 June 1969, Edward J. Bowen (Corona Del Mar, CA), James R. Drake ( Colorado Springs, CO), Roman Rakowsky (Cleveland
Cleveland is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Cuyahoga County. Located along the southern shore of Lake Erie, it is situated across the Canada–U.S. maritime border and approximately west of the Ohio-Pennsylvania st ...
, OH), Victory V. Reynolds ( Idaho Falls, ID), Thomas B. Schubert (Chicago, IL
Chicago is the List of municipalities in Illinois, most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. With a population of 2,746,388, as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it is the List of Unite ...
), and supervisor, Fred B. Engel.
* CAT IX, 1 Sept 1969 - 14 Jan 1970, David E. Graves ( Lawrence, KS), James S. Hardy ( Coronado, CA), William R. Hoettels ( San Antonio, TX), Bruce N. Rigby ( Dekalb, IL), Craig L. Stewart ( Laurel, MD), and supervisor, Edward C. Williams.U. S. Army Soldier Artists in Vietnam" James Pollock
, An International Journal of the Humanities, (Volume 21, 2009, Published by the Department of English and Fine Arts, United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado), pp. 247-272. (in public domain
essay:
James Pollock, who in 1967 served as a soldier artist on U. S. Army Vietnam Combat Artist Team IV (CAT IV), chronicled his experience in an essay entitledUS Army Soldier-Artists in Vietnam
for " War, Literature & the Arts: An International Journal of the Humanities" published by the department of English and Fine Arts, United States Air Force Academy. In the essay Pollock wrote: "The idea of rotating teams of young soldier-artists from a variety of backgrounds and experiences through Vietnam was innovative. Soldier-artists were encouraged to freely express and interpret their individual experience in their own distinct styles. The artists responded enthusiastically to their artistic , and the resulting products were wide-ranging and comprehensive. Styles and
media
Media may refer to:
Communication
* Means of communication, tools and channels used to deliver information or data
** Advertising media, various media, content, buying and placement for advertising
** Interactive media, media that is inter ...
used were as diverse as the artists themselves, some chose detailed literal images while others preferred expressive almost abstract explosions striving to replicate the horrors of war".
Army artists after Vietnam
During the Vietnam War the army art program also used civilian artists. While the last team of soldier artists in Vietnam was Soldier Art Team 9 (CAT IX) the Army's interest in using artists to depict army activities continued. The 1991 book "Portrait of an Army", published by U. S. Army Center of Military History and edited by General Gordon R. Sullivan and Marylou Gjernes, states "Following theVietnam War
The Vietnam War (1 November 1955 – 30 April 1975) was an armed conflict in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia fought between North Vietnam (Democratic Republic of Vietnam) and South Vietnam (Republic of Vietnam) and their allies. North Vietnam w ...
, the Army continued to use both soldier and civilian
A civilian is a person who is not a member of an armed force. It is war crime, illegal under the law of armed conflict to target civilians with military attacks, along with numerous other considerations for civilians during times of war. If a civi ...
artists. They have covered such peacetime activities as summer training for Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) West Point cadets, Army National Guard
National guard is the name used by a wide variety of current and historical uniformed organizations in different countries. The original National Guard was formed during the French Revolution around a cadre of defectors from the French Guards.
...
annual training, and tank
A tank is an armoured fighting vehicle intended as a primary offensive weapon in front-line ground combat. Tank designs are a balance of heavy firepower, strong armour, and battlefield mobility provided by tracks and a powerful engine; ...
gunnery training in Europe. The Army Art Collection has also acquired depictions of the Army's operations in Panama
Panama, officially the Republic of Panama, is a country in Latin America at the southern end of Central America, bordering South America. It is bordered by Costa Rica to the west, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north, and ...
and Operations DESERT SHIELD
, combatant2 =
, commander1 =
, commander2 =
, strength1 = Over 950,000 soldiers3,113 tanks1,800 aircraft2,200 artillery systems
, page = https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GAOREPORTS-PEMD-96- ...
and DESERT STORM
, combatant2 =
, commander1 =
, commander2 =
, strength1 = Over 950,000 soldiers3,113 tanks1,800 aircraft2,200 artillery systems
, page = https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GAOREPORTS-PEMD-96- ...
."
In 2003, former Vietnam soldier-artist James Pollock gave a presentation entitled "U. S. Army Vietnam Combat Art Program" about Vietnam Era
Vietnam Era is a term used by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to classify veterans who served during the Vietnam War
The Vietnam War (1 November 1955 – 30 April 1975) was an armed conflict in Vietnam, Laos, and Ca ...
soldier artists at Mary Pickford Theater
The Mary Pickford Theater, named in honor of silent film star Mary Pickford, is the "motion picture and television reading room" of the United States' Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. It is on the third floor of the Library of Congress Ma ...
, U. S. Library of Congress
The Library of Congress (LOC) is a research library in Washington, D.C., serving as the library and research service for the United States Congress and the ''de facto'' national library of the United States. It also administers Copyright law o ...
at which he said: "On January 14, 1970, the members of Vietnam Combat Art Team IX (CAT IX), the last U.S. Army art team to set foot in Vietnam
Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV), is a country at the eastern edge of mainland Southeast Asia, with an area of about and a population of over 100 million, making it the world's List of countries and depende ...
, disbanded. Like members of eight other Army soldier-artist teams before them, they left their sketchbook
A sketchbook is a book or pad with blank pages for sketching and is frequently used by artists for drawing or painting as a part of their creative process. Some also use sketchbooks as a sort of blueprint for future art pieces.
The exhibiti ...
s and paintings of war-torn Vietnam
Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV), is a country at the eastern edge of mainland Southeast Asia, with an area of about and a population of over 100 million, making it the world's List of countries and depende ...
behind and quietly returned to their respective military units
Military organization ( AE) or military organisation ( BE) is the structuring of the armed forces of a state so as to offer such military capability as a national defense policy may require. Formal military organization tends to use hierarch ...
scattered throughout the world or were re-assigned. Talent and chance had brought 46 young soldiers together for a common purpose: To be artists day in and day out for 120 days and to translate their personal Vietnam
Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV), is a country at the eastern edge of mainland Southeast Asia, with an area of about and a population of over 100 million, making it the world's List of countries and depende ...
experiences as soldiers into art. All of the artists were exposed to the inherent dangers of being in a war zone
War zone or warzone may refer to a zone of war, or to:
Film and television
* ''The War Zone'', a 1999 film starring Ray Winstone
* ''War Zone'' (film), a 1998 documentary about street harassment directed by Maggie Hadleigh-West
* "War Zone" ('' ...
. While visiting units in the fields of Vietnam
Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV), is a country at the eastern edge of mainland Southeast Asia, with an area of about and a population of over 100 million, making it the world's List of countries and depende ...
, they encountered difficult conditions and some had to deal with life-threatening incidents. None were wounded or killed. The post-Vietnam Era
Vietnam Era is a term used by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to classify veterans who served during the Vietnam War
The Vietnam War (1 November 1955 – 30 April 1975) was an armed conflict in Vietnam, Laos, and Ca ...
destiny of these soldier artists varied as they went on to establish and nurture families and careers. Some continued successfully as artists, some became art teacher
Visual arts education is the area of learning that is based upon the kind of art that one can see, visual arts—drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and design in jewelry, pottery, weaving, fabrics, etc. and design applied to more practic ...
s, some laid down their paint brushes and found careers outside the field of art. Some have died, and the whereabouts of others is unknown"."United States Army Vietnam Combat Art Program", James Pollock, (2003 Lecture), (Presentation given at U. S. Library of Congress
The Library of Congress (LOC) is a research library in Washington, D.C., serving as the library and research service for the United States Congress and the ''de facto'' national library of the United States. It also administers Copyright law o ...
, Mary Pickford Theater
The Mary Pickford Theater, named in honor of silent film star Mary Pickford, is the "motion picture and television reading room" of the United States' Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. It is on the third floor of the Library of Congress Ma ...
, Tuesday, 15 July 2003, Presentation Sponsor, Library of Congress
The Library of Congress (LOC) is a research library in Washington, D.C., serving as the library and research service for the United States Congress and the ''de facto'' national library of the United States. It also administers Copyright law o ...
Professional Association (LCPA) Veterans Forum, Washington, D.C.). CD of presentation in PDF format and can be found in U.S. Library of Congress
The Library of Congress (LOC) is a research library in Washington, D.C., serving as the library and research service for the United States Congress and the ''de facto'' national library of the United States. It also administers Copyright law o ...
Archives. Presentation was also videotaped and in LOC archives.
Public showings
From September 2010 to March 2011, theNational Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center is a non-profit institution that is devoted to the study of the Constitution of the United States. Located at the Independence Mall (Philadelphia), Independence Mall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the center is a ...
in Philadelphia, PA hosted an exhibit entitled "Art of the American Soldier" featuring more than 300 works from the army art collection, one of the first times that the Army Art from the Army Art Program has been put on display en masse.
In June 2015, South Dakota Public Broadcastininterviewed
combat artist James Pollock about his experiences in the Vietnam Combat Art Program. In September 2017, South Dakota Public Broadcasting produced a video about the Vietnam Combat Artists Program entitled
The Art of War
as part of thei
SD Vietnam Stories
project produced to accompany the broadcast of Ken Burns' "The Vietnam War" series.
See also
* United States Army Art Program * United States Air Force Art Program * American official war artistsArt Gallery (All Images Courtesy of the National Museum of the U.S. Army)
CAT I 15 August to 15 December 1966
CAT II 15 October 1966 to 15 February 1967
CAT III 16 February 1967 to 17 June 1967
CAT IV 15 August to 31 December 1967
CAT V 1 November 1967 to 15 March 1968
CAT VI 1 February 1968 to 15 June 1968
CAT VII 15 August 1968 to 31 December 1968
CAT VIII 1 February 1969 to 15 June 1969
CAT IX 1 September 1969 to 14 January 1970
References
External links
Artwork from the Art Program
at the
United States Army Center of Military History
The United States Army Center of Military History (CMH) is a directorate within the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command. The Institute of Heraldry remains within the Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Arm ...
webpageHumanities Magazine September/October 2011: Volume 32, Number 5
by Lance Nixon, Capital Journal (South Dakota), 17 January 2014.
by Lance Nixon, Capital Journal (South Dakota), 23 January 2014.
by Dave Askins, Capital Journal (South Dakota), 20 April 2018.
Combat artists share ware experiences
by Kerri Lawrence, National Archives News, 9 April 2018
National Aarchives Facebook Combat Art Panel
US Army Soldier-Artists in Vietnam (CAT IV, 15 August to 31 December, 1967)
by James Pollock, War, Literature & the Arts: An International Journal of the Humanities, free downloadable PDF South Dakota State University Open PRAIRIE repository/2009 Volume 21
SDPB Radio Interview MIDDAY
Karl Gehrke interviews James Pollock, 10 June 2015. {{USMILHIST United States Army projects Works about Vietnam Vietnam War War art Arts organizations based in the United States