Enemy Destroys, We Fix, and We Go. ca. 1965-1973.

Artist: ANONYMOUS
Size: 27 5/8 x 38 1/8 in./70.3 x 97 cm
Condition:
Printer:
Reference: Ref: Vietnam, 37
Key Words: Modern; Vietnam; Propaganda

Enemy Destroys, We Fix, and We Go. ca. 1965-1973.
"The iconic Thanh Hoa Bridge spanning the Song Ma river... was originally built by the French during the colonial era. In 1945 the Viet Minh sabotaged the bridge in their struggle to defeat the French and after victory was realized, the North Vietnamese commenced rebuilding it in 1957. The bridge... was a vital link between different regions of North Vietnam [and] a strategic passage for supplies and reinforcements being sent to the Viet Cong during the war. In 1965, the Americans commenced bombing the bridge nicknamed the Ham Rong Bridge (Dragon’s Jaw). Despite many attempts to destroy the bridge, success only came in 1972 when a laser-guided bomb finally struck and partially destroyed it [as seen here]. A young woman dominates the picture with authority, showing the determination of the people to overcome the trials and setbacks of war. In one hand she holds a kerosene lamp to guide the army trucks across the floating pontoon and in the other she holds her rifle. The pontoon across the Song Ma River was very narrow and required precise driving and very careful navigation. It was the job of young women to guide the vehicles at night with their lamps. The women were also encouraged to keep the skin on their arms as white as possible to assist with illuminating the margins of the pontoon and ensure safe passage. Vietnamese women were frequently depicted in propaganda posters with long hair to show their youth and deliver the image that young and old were needed to win the war" (Deborah Salter).