2003.71.5

Sgt.'s Ron Johnson & Bob Smialowski with skull. "D" co. 1/502nd, 101st ABN, south of Hue, July 1970
1978
16 in HIGH x 20 in WIDE
(40.64 cm HIGH x 50.80 cm WIDE)
Gift of Mike Kelley
2003.71.5


The black and white pencil drawing shows two soldiers, presumabley Ron Johnson and Bob Smialowski, both without their shirts, one wearing a peace sign around his neck- the same man is holding up a skull.

About the author: Michael "M-60" Kelley served as a rifleman and machine gunner with D Company, 1st/502d Infantry, 101st Airborne Division from Nov69, until badly wounded, Sep70. Drafted immediately upon graduation from Sacramento State College (BA Art), Mike has since established himself as one of the better-known artists whose focus has been the Vietnam experience. His artwork hangs in numerous museums and private collections around the world, including the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum in Chicago. Between 1984 91, Mike was one of two associate members of the California Vietnam Veterans Memorial Commission (the $2.5 million memorial now sits in Sacramentoミs Capitol Park). A focus of his art and writing has been to dispel the myths surrounding the Vietnam veteran. During the 1990ミs, his art took a back seat to writing, and his articles have appeared in the Washington Post, Boston Globe, Chicago Sun Times and Vietnam Magazine, among others. His military awards include the Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Air Medal.

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