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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 ID1966.64.101
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist (United States, 1911 - 1980)
Gifter
Publisher (founded 1885)
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 10 1/2 in x W 12 1/2 in (26.7 cm x 31.8 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ sits atop a large bomb with his eyes closed and his hands on his knees. Caption reads: "To Bomb or Not to Bomb". Artist signature lower right: "Herc-o Ficklen Dallas Morning News".
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower right: "Best wishes to President Lyndon B. Johnson, sincerely".
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
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)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place of Publication
Dallas
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