Images(2)

Joseph Vitkus and Friends: World War II

Original OwnerOriginally owned by Joseph A. Vitkus American, 1917 - 2003

Date1944-1945

MediumPhotography; gelatin silver prints on paper

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width): 4 x 2 1/2in. (10.2 x 6.4cm) or smaller
Sheet (height x width): 4 5/8 x 3 1/4in. (11.7 x 8.3cm) or smaller

ClassificationsGraphics

Credit LineGift of the estate of Joseph A. Vitkus

DescriptionYoung men in military uniforms, including combat gear, pose for their photographs. Most photographs appear to have been taken in military camps in the Philippines and elsewhere in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Some men wear T-shirts. Some have mustaches or eyeglasses. Some hold rifles or stand beside artillery pieces. Tents appear in the background of some photographs; grass huts with thatched roofs appear in the background in others. Jeeps or trucks appear in some photographs. Several photographs show young American soldiers holding a Japanese flag. Two photographs include women.

Object number2003.182.23-.77

MarkingsSome photographs are stamped on verso, in black ink, in oval, "GENUINE / C.P.E. / PRINT".

2003.182.31 is stamped on verso, in purple ink, "APPROVED FOR MAILING".Inscribed2003.182.23 is inscribed on verso, in black ink, "Jan. 15, 1944 / Teddy".

2003.182.30 is inscribed on verso, in black ink, "Gistlich - Frisco / Owens - Bdgpt / Fulton - Boston. / Haas - Philly".

2003.182.31 is inscribed on verso, in black ink, "Me: Rest camp???? / near Rosales - Island of Luzon / Aug. 45".

2003.182.38 is inscribed on verso, in black ink, "Durlak, Gun. / our gun. Kinda big / hey what?"

2003.182.41 is inscribed on verso, in black ink, "Me, Tsk, Tsk, Gistinch, Grange / Ayers, Owens, Durlak, Dellaca / Hobart, Fulton, McKeon".

2003.182.44 is inscribed on verso, in black ink, "Aug 45 / After 3 mos in rest camp".

2003.182.44 is inscribed on verso, in black ink, "Gloria - Manila April 45".

Some other photographs are inscribed on verso in black ink with the names of the men depicted. Each photograph also has accession number on verso, lower right, in pencil. Additional pencil inscriptions identifying Joseph Vitkus in the photographs were added by the cataloger.

Subject Terms