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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Strange That They Overlooked the 'SNAFU'!
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Strange That They Overlooked the 'SNAFU'!

Artifact ID1965.28.49
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist (United States, 1902 - 1971)
Publisher ()
Gifter
Date 1957
Medium Ink and developer on Craftint paper
DimensionsOverall H 14 1/4 in x W 13 in (36.2 cm x 33 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ, looking confused with cowboy hat in hand, is seated on three missiles ("Snark, Hawk, Redstone"). Behind him stand a row of missiles ("Matador, Rascal, Talos, Triton, Polaris, Regulus, Falcon, Jupiter, Thor, Nike, Sergeant, Atlas"). Caption reads: "Strange That They Overlooked the 'SNAFU'!" Artist signature lower right: "Jim Berryman Washington Star '57."
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten across bottom: "Best of luck, Lyndon.... BUT YOU HAVE SOLVED SOME TOUGH ONES!"
Historical NoteSnark, Hawk, Redstone, and the others are different types of missiles. “SNAFU” is military slang for “Situation Normal- All F**ked Up,” demonstrating that nuclear proliferation and having so many missiles is unfortunately the norm.
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 Lyndon Johnson Presidential Library and Museum. The Lyndon Johnson Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these 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)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place of Publication
Washington
Related Links
SNAFU