Lectures in History How FDR Built a 12-Million-Strong Military: Robert Brigham on America’s WWII Mobilization
Dec 7, 2025
Robert Brigham, a Vassar College professor and historian, dives into his search for his biological father, a Marine in Vietnam. He shares gripping details about photographer Bruce Atwell during the Tet Offensive, illustrating the chaotic urban fighting in Hue. Brigham discusses Atwell's harrowing upbringing, his iconic war photography, and the emotional journey of discovering Atwell's secret son, Kevin. Their poignant reunion in Vietnam proves a powerful exploration of legacy, memory, and the impact of war on family ties.
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From Foster Care To Iconic Combat Photos
- Robert Brigham tells the life story of Bruce Allen Atwell, a Marine combat photographer who captured iconic Tet Offensive images at Hue (Way) City.
- Atwell's difficult childhood in foster care shaped his military path and photographic urgency in combat.
Why Atwell's Photos Resonate Deeply
- Atwell's photos convey intimacy because he was both a seasoned Marine and a practiced photographer, not a typical junior combat photographer.
- That dual identity let him capture raw, soldier-level perspectives that shaped cultural memory of Hue.
147 Marines Against Thousands In Hue
- Brigham recounts the desperate action where 147 Marines faced thousands of PAVN troops in Hue and fought house-to-house for weeks.
- The initial mission to rescue 200 men became a prolonged urban slog with heavy casualties and Medal of Honor actions.
