---
title: "9 Must-See Photos From A Marine’s Eye View Of The Vietnam War"
date: "2017-03-29"
modified: "2017-03-29"
authors:
  - name: "Sarah Sicard"
    link: "https://taskandpurpose.com/authors/sarahsicard/"
url: "https://taskandpurpose.com/news/9-must-see-photos-from-a-marines-eye-view-of-the-vietnam-war/"
categories:
  - "History"
  - "Marine Corps"
  - "Military Branches"
  - "News"
  - "Past Conflicts"
  - "Vietnam War"
---

# 9 Must-See Photos From A Marine’s Eye View Of The Vietnam War

![](<https://taskandpurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/03/19039525-1.png>)

In 1967, 19-year-old Marc Waszkiewicz left college, giving up his Vietnam draft deferment to join the Marine Corps. He learned on his first deployment what Marines really do in theater: smoke cigars and play poker. During one game, he bested a platoon member on a $35 bet. The defeated Marine didn’t have enough cash, and his time in country was running short. He offered to mail a check when he made it stateside, but Waszkiewicz assumed that meant he’d never see the money.

“What’ve you got that’s worth $35?” he asked.

The answer: a camera.

“I gave up poker and cigars, and I started taking pictures,” Waszkiewicz told Task & Purpose.

Over three combat tours, Waszkiewicz used that camera to take more than 4,000 photos. Now, hundreds of them have been carefully curated into a photo memoir titled “1000 Yard Stare.” The book illustrates the beauty, monotony, sadness, and camaraderie Waszkiewicz claims he found in the Vietnam War.

**Scroll below to see some of Waszkiewicz’ work.**

![](<https://taskandpurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/03/image-placeholder-title-329.png>)

Smiles were rare when humping in the rain.Marc Waszkiewicz

![](<https://taskandpurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/03/image-placeholder-title-330.png>)

Mile after mile, valley after valley, we humped endlessly.Marc Waszkiewicz

![](<https://taskandpurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/03/image-placeholder-title-331.png>)

The hazards of barbed wire. We were so young.Marc Waszkiewicz

![](<https://taskandpurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/03/image-placeholder-title-332.png>)

My infantry training regiment at Camp Pendleton.Marc Waszkiewicz

![](<https://taskandpurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/03/image-placeholder-title-333.png>)

Clank! Clank! Clank! Here come the tanks.Marc Waszkiewicz

![](<https://taskandpurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/03/image-placeholder-title-334.png>)

I wasn't the only one fascinated with the events around me.Marc Waszkiewicz

![](<https://taskandpurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/03/image-placeholder-title-335.png>)

Dinner is served.Marc Waszkiewicz

![](<https://taskandpurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/03/image-placeholder-title-336.png>)

Cau Doi Bay looking north toward Hue City.Marc Waszkiewicz

![](<https://taskandpurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/03/image-placeholder-title-337.png>)

Good enough then, good enough now. Pabst Blue Ribbon. Celebrating heading home.Marc Waszkiewicz

***“***[***1000 Yard Stare***](<https://www.amazon.com/1000-Yard-Stare-Marines-Vietnam/dp/0811717925?tag=brooklinextap-20>)***” is available April 1, 2017 on Amazon.***