War, Hollywood, and the Press

Prisoners of War

The press has not always accurately depicted the causes, and conditions of war. They have particularly found it difficult to express the treatment of prisoners of war during the Vietnam War.

Staged photo of Cdr Paul Galanti, USN
A staged photo of Cdr Paul Galanti, USN with his middle fingers extended.
Life magazine cover of Cdr Paul Galanti, USN
Life magazine airbrushed out the extended middle fingers of Cdr Paul Galanti completing the false image of well treated prisoners.

Life Magazine

Two of the 17 Vietnam War issues of Life Magazine on display at the museum.
Two of the 17 Vietnam War issues of Life Magazine on display at the museum.
This graphic Life Magazine cover shows real combat during the Vietnam War.
This graphic Life Magazine cover shows real combat during the Vietnam War.
This issue is signed by Everett King, US Army, who was captured by these two NVA soldiers during Tet in the City of Hue. He escaped from them and was rescued by US Marines.
This issue is signed by Everett King, US Army, who was captured by these two NVA soldiers during Tet in the City of Hue. He escaped from them and was rescued by US Marines.

John Kerry and Jane Fonda

The press gave a platform to Jane Fonda and John Kerry to express views which are counter to the views and truth as understood by many, if not most, veterans. Their actions gave aid and comfort to America’s enemies during the Vietnam War and were magnified by the coverage provide by the press.

While politics is avoided throughout the museum, the feelings of the majority of veterans is captured in the display of bumper stickers and other ephemera.

Jane Fonda, Traitor
A group of Vietnam Veterans produced a piece detailing the efforts of Jane Fonda to discredit them and their service and to give aid and comfort to the enemy.
These stickers express the feelings of many veterans.
These stickers express the feelings of many veterans.