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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 Wrong Target
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

The Wrong Target

Artifact ID1965.28.31
Artist (French-American, born 1926)
Date ca. August 1965
Medium Ink and applied shading on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall (Cartoon) H 13 5/8 in x W 13 1/4 in (34.6 cm x 33.7 cm )
Overall (Matted) H 16 1/8 in x W 17 1/8 in (41 cm x 43.5 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ, covered with bug bites and holding an aerosol can ("U.S."), is hit in the head with a large swatter ("Get Out of Vietnam") by a man, knocking off LBJ's flack helmet. A mosquito ("Ho" Chi Minh) flies above. Caption reads: "The wrong target". Artist signature lower left: "Peb65". Also printed lower right: "August 27, 1965".
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten across bottom: "[sic]Riday, Aug. 27" "The Wrong Target" "[in red] 690"
Historical NoteThe Antiwar Movement (1964-1973) emerged in response to the Vietnam War and included many activist groups such as the Students for a Democratic Society and the Yippies and used tactics such as mass demonstrations, sit-ins, teach-ins, and guerilla theater. This cartoon implies that the peace movement was aiiming their protests at the wrong individual.
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
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)
Person Referenced Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam, 1890 - 1969)
Not on view
Place Described