Reuniting Valor: The Story Behind the Iconic Vietnam Peace Symbol Photograph

Carmen Rio seeks to honor Dave Jurkovich, the soldier behind an iconic peace symbol carved into the Vietnamese landscape during the Vietnam War. The discovery of military photographer David Terry, who captured the moment, was pivotal in ensuring that both men received recognition for their contributions. The narrative highlights the complexities of wartime journalism and the importance of preserving history.

On February 7, The Winchester Star featured Carmen Rio, a Winchester resident reuniting with a combat engineer from the Vietnam War, who crafted a massive peace symbol in the Vietnamese landscape amidst the conflict. This led to the identification of Dave Jurkovich, whose artwork had been captured in a famous photograph. Rio initially kept Jurkovich’s identity secret to avoid military repercussions, but now aimed to honor him publicly.

Following the article, Rio discovered with sadness that Jurkovich had passed away on July 25, 1999, likely due to Agent Orange exposure, later prompting The Winchester Star to publish a follow-up story. While finalizing Jurkovich’s feature, a photographer named David Terry, who took the peace symbol photo, learned of the article while waiting for a flight, realizing he had been overlooked for decades.

David Terry, the photographer behind the iconic image taken on May 8, 1971, had originally sold the rights to The Associated Press for only $15. Over the years, the photograph gained fame, appearing in prestigious publications and films yet without due credit to Terry, as the AP removed his name in their archives.

After The Winchester Star pursued Terry’s identity, they were able to confirm his authorship through the AP, leading Terry to share his story. He provided documentation, including press passes, and a never-sold second photo of the peace symbol. A virtual meeting between Terry and Rio was organized, allowing them to exchange war stories for the first time.

In their discussion, Rio expressed his gratitude, asking Terry for his autograph on a historic issue of Life magazine featuring the peace symbol. Terry recounted how the peace sign was photographed amidst other breathtaking scenes, emphasizing that he took just two quick shots before it vanished from view.

Terry’s recounting of the event illustrated his quick decision to sell a photo he perceived others would replicate. Yet, no other photographs manifested, leading military officials to order the peace symbol’s eradication. Terry’s wish for artist recognition was dismissed by the AP, which he later uncovered upon reviewing their archives.

Terry, later working as a photojournalist in Thailand, reflected on his storied experiences in Southeast Asia, including covering significant events without reminders of the past fighting. He now balances time between homes in San Antonio and Colorado Springs, priding himself on his contributions to documenting the Vietnam War and the enduring significance of the peace symbol image.

The article recounts Carmen Rio’s quest to honor Dave Jurkovich, the creator of the peace symbol in Vietnam, and the unexpected journey to recognize photographer David Terry. Terry’s story intertwines the changes in journalistic recognition over the decades and highlights the enduring legacy of the peace symbol within the narrative of the Vietnam War. This poignant history emphasizes the significance of remembrance and acknowledgment in the journalism field.

Original Source: www.winchesterstar.com