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In 1951 I was drafted into the infantry to serve in Korea.   While I’d hope to be listed as an army photographer, it was a blessing that I wasn’t.  Had I been official, I would have been commanded to photograph medal presentations and officer’s ceremonies. Instead, I carried my camera around with me all the time – during basic training, on the troop ship, and in Korean villages.   Due to a series of minor injuries (unrelated to combat), I ended up leaving the front lines and becoming a sign-painter for my company commander – who ended up lending me out to other commanders until no one really knew where I was.   Because of this I was able to spend more time with the Korean people themselves and ended up living in a mud hut with a Korean woman.  

War is hell for all involved.  I was lucky and came to know the Korean people up close, just as I also sat shoulder to shoulder with my fellow GIs  - young men –- boys really -– just like those who fight today.  My attempt was to capture the humanity of all involved and find beauty in the midst of tragedy.