Skip to main content
Label TextThis image was taken by a photojournalist working under the employ of the Associated Press, a US news agency founded in 1846 and still in operation. These photographers endeavored to take in-focus, direct, and straightforward illustrations of the war that would clearly communicate important events with the American public. Because the Korean War occurred before the advent of television news, it was the last American war that Americans received almost entirely through photos printed in newspapers and magazines.
DimensionsOverall: 5 7/8 x 9 1/4 in. (14.9 x 23.5 cm)
Accession Number 2025.198
Classificationsphotograph
ProvenanceJeff Perry; Des Moines Art Center [gift from the previous, 2025]
Operation Smack Reaches a Climax for One Man: Medical corpsmen carry a wounded combat man to an aid station on the Korean front after he was wounded in “Operation Smack”—Sunday’s unsuccessful assault on Spud Hill positions held by Chinese Reds. Other medics stand by to give assistance when needed. The attack, watched by high army officers supplied with gay-colored programs, now is under fire in Washington and in London, January 29, 1953
Photo Credit: Rich Sanders, Des Moines
Photo Credit: Rich Sanders, Des Moines
Photo Credit: Rich Sanders, Des Moines
Reuben Tam
1955