Beschreibung:

JOHNSON, Lyndon B. (1908-1973) President . Photograph of Johnson at the Headquarters of General Douglas MacArthur inscribed and signed ("Lyndon B. Johnson"), [Austrailia], 18 June 1942. 8 x 10 inches, tape along upper and lower margins of verso , otherwise in fine condition. A RARE PHOTOGRAPH OF LIEUTENANT COMMANDER JOHNSON, TAKEN AT MACARTHUR'S HEADQUARTERS Perceiving the threat to the United States presented by the Axis Powers, Johnson joined the naval reserves in January of 1940. When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Johnson became the first congressman to enlist for active service. He was promptly commissioned a Lieutenant Commander and, during a reconnaissance mission near Austrailia, his plane was attacked. For his bravery, he was awarded a silver star by MacArthur, an honor he considered to be one of the "high moments of his life" (Goodwin, Lyndon Johnson and the American Dream , p. 94). Here, Johnson is photographed in his uniform examining a map in MacArthur's Headquarters. The commander uses a pen to point to a location northeast of Austrailia. The photo has been inscribed "For Jim Trumble, With thanks and appreciation". Johnson also identifies the origins of the photograph: "Taken at MacArthur Headquarters June 18, 1942." Johnson returned home from service one month after this photograph was taken and resumed his seat in the House. His brief World War II career had a lasting impact upon the future President, who perceived events in Vietnam through his own war experiences. He explained: "I learned that war comes about by two things--by a lust for power on the part of a few evil leaders and by a weakness on the part of the people whose love for peace too often displays a lack of courage that serves as an open invitation to all the aggressors of the world" (Goodwin, p. 95).