Lost in Thought ... by Tom Briggs

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1966	tom briggs

Lost in Thought ...

Vietnam

... Our last look at the Golden Gate and San Francisco fading into the background. I remember clearly the sensation of sailing away and wondering what lays ahead. I'm certain that same thought was in everyone's mind. Put yourself in the place of one of these young soldiers and feel what they must have felt as they watched the USA fade into the background. Everyone wondered whether they'd come back ... most did ... some did not.

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All Images Copyright of Tom Briggs ...please ask permission for any use.

Jack Hoying		23-Jul-2019 20:01
My Dad sailed out of San Diego in 1944 and fought on Okinawa. After VJ day, he spent 6 months in China. When they finally loaded the ship for the U.S., the Marine band played "San Francisco, here we come". He said that the sight of the Golden Gate bridge coming into view was something he'd always remember.

Guest		26-Feb-2019 21:14
My name is Albert Pacheco I was on the USS BARRET in 1966 going to Vietnam . There were 2battlions on that ship. 2/34armor and the 11th cav. I remmember sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge and looking back at the sanfrancisco skyline not knowing what lied ahad. The very first casualty on nov. 3 1966 I was the lone survivor. I ran over a 500 lb. mine. I thank god everyday for being a live today.

Guest		16-Jan-2015 23:11
This image brings back my memories of a 30 day journey aboard the USS General W. A. Mann from the Bay in CA. vis Subic Bay Phillipines. Thousands of 21-21 year olds going to a place most never heard of. Unsure, yes, but dedicated enough, and trained enough to believe that it was our duty. Many lesssons were learned, friends gained and friends lost. Now at 73 years of age, would I do it again? Yes, if I had to. We are what we are: Lovers of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Live long and prosper. Titus Rich, Jr. 720 Military Police out of Ft. Hood, TX.

Tracy Howell		20-May-2013 21:05
A very powerful documentary image & I would imagine the thought of will I return was on everyones mind.

alfredo camba jr.		29-Nov-2011 16:30
A piece of history in this interesting documentary shot! V

John Cooper		12-Jul-2011 23:19
A very powerful photograph.

Long Bach Nguyen		22-Apr-2011 14:05
a very moving image...knowing some will be there last look of home before landing in far away strange land.

Tom Briggs		10-Mar-2011 22:38
NOTE TO GUEST BELOW ... this ship was the USNS Upshur, not the Gordon which was probably a sister ship.

Guest		10-Mar-2011 15:46
Tom that ship is possibily the uss Gordon which i was on with 5,000 men,it was aww2 troup carrier.Left JULY 1966

jim richards		18-Feb-2011 00:14
Crying and in shock when i saw this. I was on board at the rail on my ship. If this was taken Sept. 5th 1965 (my 19th B'day) I am in the frame!! Even if not it is a priceless treasure of my life. Thank you!! Jim Richards Co. B 1st S & T Bn. !st Inf. Div.

Colin Clarke		15-Aug-2010 16:22
Absolutely spot-on, Tom. Thank you. And I think we all had that really empty feeling in the pit of our stomachs. I wrote about it here: http://www.pbase.com/agripix/image/107366944

Steve, Pasadena Texas		02-May-2010 20:08
Tom, what was the name of this ship? Could it be the USS Upshur II? I have pictures of Long Binh in 1966 before the perminent huts were built.

PauloCGama		28-Nov-2009 02:02
Deep and intense. V

H. P. Henriksen Starman		31-Dec-2008 14:47
Hi Tom, Your words following this picture sets it really into perspective. v.

mathilda williams		29-Dec-2008 05:29
I bet a lot of things went through the minds of those young men.....

Tom Briggs		23-May-2008 01:57
Barry, thanks for your comment below but the photo is not reversed. These troops are on the starboard side of the ship as it sailed past the Golden Gate and then turned NW into the swells ... thus they're looking back at the San Francisco skyline

Guest		22-May-2008 01:33
I like the photo as well...but you have scanned it backwards. San Francisco should be on the left.

Elmer Quianio		31-Mar-2008 00:35
Really touching image. Execllent composition! Vote!!

Guest		07-Mar-2008 22:45
Outstanding composition- a Brilliant Image.

Guest		24-Oct-2007 13:01
Great composition. I felt I had to go back and comment on some of the individual images, they are just so strong.

Milan Vogrin		19-Oct-2007 11:53
Well seen!

veraferia		14-Oct-2007 03:01
Strong and touching image!

Carol E Sandgren		13-Oct-2007 05:00
ONE POWERFUL IMAGE!! And as Phil so eloquently puts it, there are many many American soldiers who are still in that same boat today. Thanks for sharing this still meaningful image with us.

Phil Douglis		21-Jul-2007 19:21
An image that is as relevant today as it was forty years ago, Tom. The mass of soldiers is imposing, yet they seem so innocent -- like a herd of sheep facing potential slaughter. Such is the nature of farewell -- as you note in your captions, some of these men never came home. And forty years later, thousands of American soldiers are metaphorically, at least, in the same boat.

Dave Beedon		03-Jun-2007 18:14
A moving photo and story!

1moremile		23-May-2007 00:34
I can imagine the thoughts at this moment. Powerful.

Guest		12-May-2007 10:22
Powerful. A very personal and poignant moment and yet an ageless one.

Guest		04-May-2007 17:45
Strong photo.... How would they felt.... Many questions going thru their minds... when would they get back? how dangerous would it be.... What about their girlfriends? Difficult times....

Soenda		03-May-2007 21:44
For me this is an extremely intense image. The sight of so many people packed together in quiet reflection. No way to ignore what had to have been going throught their minds. On a more removed note, the composition itself is quite powerful with the bridge dividing the photo into sea and sky. And then there's the sweeping curve of the ship cutting a graceful diagonal across the photo and leading the eye up along the wide swath of soldiers.

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