Personal Narrative Film, Video Manuscript/Mixed Material Photo, Print, Drawing Audio Recording Carl Les Fordahl Collection
Veterans History Project Service Summary:
- War or Conflict: Vietnam War, 1961-1975
- Branch of Service: Army
- Unit of Service: Headquarters Company, 1st Signal Brigade
- Location of Service: Washington, DC; Germany; Vietnam
- Highest Rank: Specialist Five
Carl Fordahl’s official duties in Vietnam were as an draftsman and illustrator, but he also became a combat artist. But it was twenty years after the war before he finished the drawings he had made during his tour of duty. While in the field, Fordahl only had time to make quick sketches or take photos. Other veterans easily recognized his sketches of locations like Firebase Bastogne. Decades later, Fordahl decided to complete the sketches that he had saved. His work is now in the collections of the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum in Chicago.
More Resources
Carl Les Fordahl Collection
Interview / Recording
-
PlayServing as a draftsman and illustrator for the Army, eventually ending up in Vietnam. 00:03:49.8 - 00:04:42.4
-
PlaySent to Vietnam on a drafting assignment; using his free time for sketching. 00:05:37.3 - 00:06:21.9
-
PlayTwenty years after the war, his combat artwork started to gather widespread interest. 00:06:42.0 - 00:08:48.6
-
PlayThe artistic process in the field. 00:09:02.0 - 00:10:43.3
-
PlayServing as part of a four-man combat art team which had a great deal of latitude. 00:13:28.4 - 00:14:00.3
-
PlayMaking posters for a special visitor. 00:39:55.1 - 00:40:59.1
-
PlayLosing many of his pieces to censorship or possible theft 00:47:44.4 - 00:48:25.3
-
PlayMarveling at the amount of art that must have been created in Vietnam. 00:54:30.0 - 00:56:20.9
-
PlayAlthough he had planned on a military career, he was turned off by the abuse of authority and by attitudes back home. 00:57:31.9 - 00:58:52.5
-
PlayHow he is proud of his time in service. 01:01:43.0 - 01:02:09.0
-
PlayNot working on his sketches until twenty years after the war. 01:02:47.0 - 01:03:58.5
