Instead of a 'Green Beret'
Artifact ID1973.1.1552
Object Type
Cartoon Drawing
Artist
Jim Lange
(United States, 1926 - 2009)
Medium
Ink on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 14 1/2 in x W 16 1/4 in (36.8 cm x 41.3 cm )
Physical DescriptionPhysical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. A man ("Our Soldiers in Vietnam") wears a large hat ("Orders from the White House") which covers his head surrounded by question marks. He stands in tall grass and holds a gun in his hands. A small piece of paper “The Daily Oklahoman” adhered to lower left. Caption: “Instead of a 'Green Beret'”. Artist signature lower left: "Lange”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at upper right: [underline] “Sun”.
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 and over 1967, there were 500,000 American troops in Vietnam. The war’s unpopularity in the United States was increased further by the North Vietnamese Tet Offensive in early 1968, which led to even greater casualties. In March 1968, Lyndon Johnson withdrew from the presidential race to try to end the war and in October, he announced a bombing halt over Vietnam. The Green Berets, or the United States Army Special Forces are a division of the Army that deal with special operations. In this cartoon, the Special Forces wear a large cowboy hat that covers the eyes and ears, implying a lack of information about the plans and goals for military action in Vietnam.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.
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place Described
Place of Publication