IRVINE, Calif. – The world of photography and journalism has lost an extraordinary figure, former Associated Press photographer Dang Van Phuoc. He passed away at the age of 91 after collapsing in Southern California, according to his nephew, Van Nguyen.
Phuoc’s life was a remarkable journey filled with resilience and courage. Born in a small village near Quang Ngai, Vietnam, in 1935, he faced immense hardships from a young age. His father was killed by Viet Cong insurgents when Phuoc was just ten years old, and he lost his mother a few years later, leaving him homeless.
Despite these challenges, Phuoc’s passion for photography emerged early on. He volunteered at a Saigon film studio where his mother worked and learned to use a camera on his own. In 1965, he was hired by the Associated Press as a photographer, quickly earning a reputation for his ability to capture the most intense moments of the Vietnam War.
Phuoc became known as the AP’s “secret weapon,” often walking alongside soldiers on combat patrols. His bravery put him in harm’s way several times; he was wounded at least five times during his decade-long career with the AP in Vietnam. His first injury occurred only five months after he was hired, when a grenade explosion left him with shrapnel in his chest and leg. Remarkably, he returned to duty just months later.
In 1969, Phuoc lost his right eye in another grenade explosion. Despite this life-changing injury, he adapted and continued to work, learning to shoot with one eye while also staying alert to the dangers around him. His colleague, Huỳnh Công “Nick” Út, praised Phuoc’s fearlessness and resourcefulness, calling him a loyal friend.
Though he excelled in action photography, Phuoc was deeply moved by the plight of civilians caught in the conflict. He often referred to himself as a “small grain of sand,” using his images to tell their stories. When Saigon fell in 1975, Phuoc and his family fled Vietnam, arriving in the United States with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
After a brief stint working for the AP in Hong Kong, Phuoc settled in Southern California, where he became a well-respected portrait photographer. He was also actively involved in the community, founding The Artistic Photography Association and mentoring young photographers.
His legacy lives on through the countless portraits he took and the lives he touched. His great-nephew, Kim Nguyen, fondly remembers Phuoc’s portraits of him as a baby and the joy of sharing Phuoc’s work with his own son. Phuoc’s contributions to photography, journalism, and his community are a testament to his indomitable spirit.
In 1994, Phuoc was honored as the Los Angeles County Volunteer of the Year for his service as a civilian volunteer for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, reflecting his commitment to giving back to the community.
Phuoc’s life story is a powerful reminder of resilience and the impact one individual can have through their craft. He will be remembered not just for the images he captured but for the humanity he portrayed.
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Schoenbaum reported from Salt Lake City.
