DMA 136 A-8 Classic Photographer Presention

Ruben GIfford

https://monroegallery.com/gallery/default/photoDetail/soldier-marching-ottre-belgium-1944

Soldier Marching, Ottre, Belgium 1944

Michelantinio Celestino Onofrio Vaccaro, or Tony for short, was born on December 20th, 1922. in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. He would be raised in both America and Italy after his parents’ deaths.

Tony returned to America in 1939 to finish high school. In 1942, Tony bought his first camera, an Argus C-3. “I’m gonna buy a camera, learn how to use it, and show the world the real pictures of the war.” – Tony Vaccaro. Drafted after high school graduation, and sent to England, then into France 8 days after D-Day. For 272 days, Tony fought on the front lines of the war and took over 8000 photos. “When I was not on a night mission, I processed my films in four army helmets and hung the wet negatives from tree branches to dry.”–Tony Vaccaro

After the war, Tony would stay in Germany working for Stars and Stripes. He logged over 100,000 miles during the rebuilding of Germany.

Returning to America in 1950. Tony would have an 80-year career as a photographer, working for many of the country’s best publications. He would die in 2022, shortly after his 100th birthday.

Tony knew what he wanted to do and did it for 80 plus year, I respect that, and he was wildly successful at it. in a different life I could see myself as a reporter.