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Photograph of Two Soldiers in the Vietnam War
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Photograph of Two Soldiers in the Vietnam War
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Photograph of Two Soldiers in the Vietnam War

Artifact SeriesDomestic Gifts
Artifact IDDO.108101
Object Type Print, Photographic
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Intended Recipient (American, 1964)
Medium paper, ink, adhesive, glass, wood, metal, foam
DimensionsOverall - 3D H 13 1/2 in x W 15 1/2 in x D 1 1/2 in (34.3 cm x 39.4 cm x 3.8 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionPhotograph depicting two soldiers reclining side by side in an open field. The man on the left is shirtless and his face is wrapped in white bandages. The man on the right is sitting up slightly and lighting a cigarette. Mountains and trees are visible in the background. The photograph is held in a brown wooden frame with a black plaque at the bottom.
Inscriptions and MarkingsText of plaque on obverse: "I Am My Brothers Keeper" Text of note taped to reverse: 4 July 1967 VietNam H Co. 2nd Bn. 5th Marine Rgt. 1st Marine Div. Two Marines. Left: Cpl Wasson Right: Cpl. Richard "Underdog" Underwood Taken by: Sgt. Harold E. Wadley, USMC (Ret)
Framing sticker on reverse
Historical NoteSergeant Wadley was inspired to send the picture after he heard the President say, 'I am my brother's keeper." He believes that few people understand the "full meaning and obligation of those words." Photo was taken in Vietnam on July 4, 1967 by Sgt. Wadley. Man on the left is Cpl. Wasson and man on the right is Cpl. Richard "Underdog" Underwood. Sergeant Wadley served in the Marines during the Vietnam War. His team was wounded and one was killed by a bomb in a river.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama during the Obama Administration. It was received through the Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library.Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)
National Archives Catalog SeriesDomestic Gifts (National Archives Identifier 66540613)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Barack Obama Presidential Library. The Barack Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62
In Collection(s)
Not on view
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