Date: May 11, 2009
Photographer: David Guttenfelder, American Associated Press Photographer
Details: The background of the image dates back to the time when U.S. forces invaded Afghanistan to combat terrorism against Al-Qaeda and the Taliban. They established numerous bases and outposts as launch points for their operations, one of which was the “Restrepo” base in the Korengal Valley of Kunar Province, Afghanistan. The First Battalion of the U.S. Army was stationed there, periodically facing intermittent attacks. One such incident is captured in the photograph, where the base suddenly came under a barrage of fire from Taliban positions. Soldiers Cecil Montgomery and Jordan Caster began to respond to the source of the fire, and quickly joined by their comrade Zachary Boyd, who had been sleeping. Boyd woke up hurriedly, without sufficient time to don his military uniform. Instead, he put on his helmet, vest, and grabbed his weapon, joining the fight while still in his pajamas and slippers.
During this moment, photographer David Guttenfelder was present to capture the image of the American soldiers and sent it immediately to his news agency. The photograph garnered significant attention and interaction. Guttenfelder was surprised by the level of interest in the photo and recounts that he was part of the military unit to cover the combat. During the firefight, he found himself thinking like the soldiers, concerned about their safety and his own while trying to do his job. He adds that after taking the photo, the soldiers were extremely worried that it might portray them poorly.
Zachary Boyd’s mother recounts that he called her to alert her about the photo, saying it would be on the front page of The New York Times. He expressed concern that it might cost him his job in the military. His father quickly searched for it online and, upon seeing it, laughed for five minutes. She adds that she too found it amusing and that it was a true reflection of him, as he liked to wear such clothing, though she had never seen him in pink pajamas before.
The photograph sparked a considerable debate, with critics arguing that it was an inappropriate portrayal of U.S. combat troops and American soldiers. Supporters, however, including then-Defense Secretary Robert Gates, praised Boyd’s quick response to assist his fellow soldiers in a difficult situation. Gates reassured Boyd that he would not lose his job and expressed a desire to meet and shake his hand the next time he was in Afghanistan. Gates humorously added that any soldier who went into battle wearing shorts and slippers would undoubtedly possess a unique kind of bravery. The photographer also praised Boyd, considering him one of the bravest soldiers he had seen in Afghanistan.
