Sir Don McCullin, a renowned British war photographer, aims for his pictures to provoke strong emotions. He wants viewers to feel discomfort and unease, mirroring his own feelings. McCullin has been capturing global conflicts for over 50 years. His work spans from Cyprus and Biafra to Lebanon, Afghanistan, and Northern Ireland.

At 90, McCullin prepares to publish a retrospective focused on a defining conflict of his career: Vietnam. This book includes thousands of images he took during assignments in the 1960s and 1970s. McCullin’s work captures not only the brutality faced by civilians but also the fear and fatigue of U.S. Marines.

The heart of the book is the 1968 Battle of Hue, part of the Tet Offensive. McCullin spent 11 days in Hue despite expecting a 24-hour operation. He captured one of his most iconic photographs during this time: “Shell-shocked US Marine.” It portrays an unresponsive soldier staring into the distance. McCullin created multiple frames, yet every shot was identical as the Marine remained motionless.

While famous, the image unsettles McCullin. He fears his work being reduced to “Shell-shocked US Marine,” and despises its acceptance. McCullin believes photography should disturb rather than comfort.

The book explores the blurred lines between observing and participating in war. McCullin recalls photographing a wounded Marine pinned by enemy fire during the Battle of Hue. Faced with a dire situation, McCullin set down his camera and carried the Marine to safety. Hue’s battle affects him deeply, haunting him every night.

McCullin neither seeks nor expects sympathy. His camera didn’t create detachment from his experiences. As his career closes, “Vietnam” serves as a historical record and personal farewell. More than a photo collection, it’s a testament to his life of witnessing suffering. McCullin stands by his belief that photography should challenge rather than comfort.

The images featured in the book “Vietnam” are copyrighted by Don McCullin and published by GOST Books. For further information, visit the publisher’s site.