American Photography 31 Winners

Despite Similarities to Reality, This is a Work of Fiction

A 101st Airborne soldier completes pull ups during twilight resembling the image of a man without legs on COP Chamkani, Paktia Province, Afghanistan.. Despite Similarities to Reality, This is a Work of Fiction. Offering a glimpse into the idea of enduring freedom, this body of work reveals a gap between the fiction through which most Americans consume war and the realities from within the ranks of those charged with its prosecution. These pictures chronicle the final deployment of the storied 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment otherwise known as the Band of Brothers during the final throes of the United States’ longest war. Tales of the unit’s heroic contributions to conflicts since World War Two have inspired many to join the ranks to serve their nation. These stories of men at war are heavily edited and designed to perpetuate a tolerance for war in the individual and the national conscience. They are also myths that perpetuate a sickness in society about the nature of manhood and even war itself. These myths leave most Americans no more understanding of the cultures left in ruin than what is asked of their soldiers.

Despite Similarities to Reality, This is a Work of Fiction

Soldiers endure the concussive force of a mortar fired to aid their Afghan security counterparts conducting a mission in Paktia Province, Afghanistan.. Despite Similarities to Reality, This is a Work of Fiction. Offering a glimpse into the idea of enduring freedom, this body of work reveals a gap between the fiction through which most Americans consume war and the realities from within the ranks of those charged with its prosecution. These pictures chronicle the final deployment of the storied 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment otherwise known as the Band of Brothers during the final throes of the United States’ longest war. Tales of the unit’s heroic contributions to conflicts since World War Two have inspired many to join the ranks to serve their nation. These stories of men at war are heavily edited and designed to perpetuate a tolerance for war in the individual and the national conscience. They are also myths that perpetuate a sickness in society about the nature of manhood and even war itself. These myths leave most Americans no more understanding of the cultures left in ruin than what is asked of their soldiers.