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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
The Cockpit
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

The Cockpit

Artifact ID1965.28.2
Object Type Cartoon Print
Date ca. March 1965
Medium Paper, inks
DimensionsOverall H 17 1/2 in x W 22 1/2 in (44.5 cm x 57.2 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionPrint reproduction of a cartoon showing two men fighting in a ring, and President Johnson speaking with his back to the action. The audience includes: to the right of LBJ, a young boy pointing a rifle, an onlooker holding one of fighters by a rope, a press camera man, and members of the United Nations. On the opposite side of a wall dividing the onlookers are Southeast Asian observers, including a figure recognizeable as Ho Chi Minh. Titled and signed in the lower right of the printed image “John S. Alcorn 7-1-1965.”
Inscriptions and MarkingsAutographed lower right in ink "John S. Alcorn."
Historical NoteThe struggle over the Vietnam War can be figuratively seen in this cartoon. World leaders like Lyndon B. Johnson, Robert McNamara, Ho Chi Minh, and U Thant are represented in the struggle; along with other unnamed people affected by the war. The overall chaotic atmosphere represents the varied opinions and feelings about the war.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from the general public to President Johnson during his term in office. It was received by President Johnson, until the President donated it to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in 1973.
Credit LineGift of Lyndon Baines Johnson
National Archives Catalog CollectionLyndon B. Johnson Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 192413)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 189698395)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum. The LBJ Presidential Library and Museum 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.
Person Referenced Lyndon Baines Johnson (United States, 1908 - 1973)
Person Referenced Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam, 1890 - 1969)
Person Referenced U Thant (Burma, 1909 - 1974)
Person Referenced Robert McNamara (United States, 1916 - 2009)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
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