05/29/2026
This is the centennial birthday of one of the most honored photojournalists, Larry Burrows, b. May 29, 1926.
His work for LIFE magazine during the Vietnam War became a significant record of the brutal war, revealing poignant moments of American soldiers in action who suffered great losses. Burrows lost his life in the war in 1971 when his helicopter was shot down over the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos. Photojournalists Henri Huet, Kent Potter and Keisaburo Shimamoto were also onboard that fatal flight. In 1969, While Lt. Burt Finger (now PDNB Gallery Director) served in Dak To, Vietnam for his tour of duty, Larry Burrows documented a North Vietnamese Army ambush near Ben Het and Dak To, witnessing the problems with the Army of South Vietnam not helping the Americans. This Dak To essay was published in LIFE magazine, A Case of Cowardice under Fire. Whenever Burrows showed up, there was great conflict to photograph. Lt. Burt Finger oversaw press people coming into the camp, therefore a chance to watch this icon work. Burrows became a huge influence on Burt, so much so that when he returned home, he pursued photojournalism. As many years transpired, Photographs Do Not Bend Gallery (PDNB) became a reality. Thank you, Larry Burrows, for recording the brutality of war and inspiring so many photojournalists. We salute you on this special centennial birthday.
Images:
Larry Burrows, Farley carries two M-60s to his helicopter, 1965 Yankee Papa 13
Larry Burrows, Farley returns fire, 1965 Yankee Papa 13
Larry Burrows, Sgt. Billie Owens dashes to Yankee Papa 13, 1965
Larry Burrows, Farley reaches in to shut off the engine, 1965 Yankee Papa 13
Larry Burrows, Farley shouts that his gun is jammed, 1965 Yankee Papa 13
Larry Burrows, The mission over, Farley gives way, 1965 Yankee Papa 13
Larry Burrows, American soldiers looking at truck containing bodies of their comrades, 1969
