I had the honor of photographing George E. Smith, a Vietnam Veteran and former Prisoner of War for 614 Magazine.
The Vietnam War has resurfaced in the American consciousness lately thanks in large part to the documentary by Ken Burns.
The documentary tells the story of the Vietnam War through the experiences of everyday soldiers on both sides, eschewing pundits, talking heads, and politicians. In doing so, it offers viewers an opportunity to see something they thought they understood in a completely new way.
I had a similar experience while talking to and photographing George. Whatever assumptions or expectations I had of him dissolved as he shared his story with me.
If you’d like to get your own glimpse into his story, read the article in 614 Magazine and purchase his book “Prisoner of War: Two Years With The Vietcong” which chronicles his experience as a P.O.W
