Skip to main content
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
To Bomb or Not to Bomb - ?
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

To Bomb or Not to Bomb - ?

Artifact ID1966.64.61
Artist (United States, 1912 - 2000)
Date ca. January 1966
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 17 5/8 in x W 14 7/8 in (44.8 cm x 37.8 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ leans forward in his desk chair, with a hand under his chin. Caption reads: "To bomb or not to bomb - ?”. Artist signature lower right: "Gib Crockett © The Washington Star".
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower left: "31 picas Fri. Jan 28 '66".
Historical NoteIn August 1964, US ships were seemingly attacked in the Gulf of Tonkin, leading to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution that allowed President Johnson to take military action. In February 1965, Johnson authorized Operation Rolling Thunder to bomb North Vietnam and in March, 3500 Marines were deployed in Vietnam. Over 1965, President Johnson escalated the conflict to a full-scale war with 175,000 American troops.
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 personally, until the President donated it to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in 1970.
Credit LineGift of Lyndon Baines Johnson
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction Note© The Washington Star, 1966
Copyright 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)
Not on view
Place of Publication