Wars never really end, because even though they may finish on the battlefield, many veterans bring the war back home and are forced to live with them for the rest of their lives.

This sad and sobering truth is highlighted by Photographers like David Jay and James Nachtwey, who have been documenting young and badly wounded American soldiers following their return home from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I have been a witness, and these pictures are my testimony. The events I have recorded should not be forgotten and must not be repeated,” writes Nachtwey, while Jay’s project, compiled into a series called Unknown Soldier, was a finalist in the Portrait category for the Magnum Photography Awards 2016.

Talking about his pictures, Jay wrote that they present “an opportunity to open a dialogue about issues we are not necessarily comfortable with…and also issues that we are responsible for. The images can be uncomfortable for the viewer. It forces us to confront our fears and inhibitions about life, death, sexuality, sickness, relationships, etc. Reality is not always pretty. This is reality. Let’s address it.”

More info: David Jay | James Nachtwey (h/t: allthatisinteresting, lensculture)

#1

Bobby Henline

Bobby Henline

Bobby Henline was trapped inside a transport when he was hit by a roadside bomb in Iraq. He was the only survivor.

David Jay Report

Lara B.
Community Member
8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How horrible it must be to be the only survivor of your team :( This is basically your family while being in war and all of a sudden they are all gone...

Idalia Paige
Community Member
8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What's even worse is that, in the back of their minds, they know it can happen.

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Patti
Community Member
8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you. You are beautiful

Denise Lackmann
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Strength and resilience far beyond comprehension. Utmost admiration.

Denise Lackmann
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very attractive man still. I only hope he was able to eventually combat the trauma mentally.

S Kim Leslie
Community Member
8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i met a woman who was the only survivor of a plane crash, scarred on the inside and outside. once i got past the visible scars i met an amasing human, and i will always always love the survivor

Nancy Webb
Community Member
8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My heart to yours To me you are a handsome man I'm looking at that smile and your eyes Lost a son to irac Thank you for my freedom

Pat
Community Member
8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It isn't much, but THANK YOU, Hero for your service.

Roswitha
Community Member
8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Für was es ist eine Schande

Joanna Patton
Community Member
8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awful, awful, awful. Amazing that Mr. Henline is still so handsome!

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RELATED:
    #2

    Nicholas John Vogt

    Nicholas John Vogt

    On November 12, 2011, army first lieutenant Nicholas was severely injured by an IED while on a foot-patrol in Panjwaii, Afghanistan. After asking Nicholas for his permission to post these images, this was his response: “The only thing that I want to pass on is this: Losing limbs is like losing a good friend. We wish we could still be with them, but it wasn't 'in the cards'. Then we get up, remember the good times, and thank God for whatever we have left. “

    David Jay Report

    Lara B.
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a strong man! I really admire him for his exceptional mental strength!

    Pat
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    THANK UOU, Hero for your service.

    Vesna Brnić
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank god ... what a sad thought

    #3

    Tomas Young

    Tomas Young

    Tomas Young enlisted in the army two days after the 2001 September 11th attacks. Five days after being sent to Iraq, he was shot in the spine while riding in an unarmored vehicle in Sadr City, leaving him paralyzed. He died in 2014 (about a year and a half after this photo was taken) due to complications from his injuries.

    David Jay Report

    Kelsei Toth
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tomas young had beautiful eyes. Whoever photographed him really captured them (and everything they'd seen) perfectly.

    Patti
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He looks like a beautiful rockstar

    Denise Lackmann
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sacrafice for others shows in his eyes.

    Lucille Davis
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OMG!!!! SO VERY SAD!!!! GOD BLESS YOU!!!! RIP SIR!!!!

    Pat
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    THANK YOU, Hero. God bless you. RIP.

    Carmen Melendez
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There's a documentary about him. He became an antiwAr activist.

    Casey Cook
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sadr city was the most dangerous city there they literally built a wall around the city to stop the flow of weapons and ammunition the the Battle of sadr City was a month-long battle erecting the wall in the middle of fighting the entire time it was being built.

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    #4

    Jerral Hancock

    Jerral Hancock

    Jerral Hancock was driving a tank in Iraq. A roadside bomb pierced the armor, breaching the interior. Jarral lives in Lancaster with his two, beautiful children.

    David Jay Report

    Denise Lackmann
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The spiritual connection for your family and friends has great depth here. Bravery forever.

    Pat
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    THANK YOU, Hero for your service.

    Patti
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Keep up your spirits for your children & you will be an amazing roll model

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    #5

    Jason Pak

    Jason Pak

    First Lieutenant Jason Pak On Dec. 13, 2012 was on a foot patrol in Zangabad, Afghanistan when an IED exploded. The blast took Jason's legs (and part of his hand) but it could not take his spirit .

    David Jay Report

    Lara B.
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Most gorgeous smile! :)

    Jason
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Gorgeous smile, in my mind for hours

    Denise Lackmann
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That smile has beat the enemy of adaptation.

    Pat
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    THANK YOU, Hero for your service.

    Joseline Armistead
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My respect to someone who has the courage to defend his country and move on after his injuries

    Lalita
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    how a person with such a beautiful smile can dedicate his life to kill others... I don't understand.

    Blue Cicada
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If u try to join US military because u want to kill others, psych evaluation would exclude u. A well trained military secures& protects.

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    #6

    Cedric King

    Cedric King

    Cedric King lost both of his legs to an IED in Afghanistan. His daughters talked him into trying swimming, and from there he finished the 2014 Boston Marathon in just over six hours; completed a Half Ironman race, and the New York City marathon. He is also a motivational speaker.

    James Nachtwey Report

    Lara B.
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I this man isn't made to be a motivational speaker, i don't know who is!!

    Denise Lackmann
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Amazing transition. That's given me inspiration to try harder.

    Pat
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    THANK YOU, Hero for your service.

    #7

    Bobby Bernier

    Bobby Bernier

    Bobby was hit by incoming artillery, sustaining burns over 60% of his body. He is pictured here with his daughter Layla

    David Jay Report

    Joseline Armistead
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Scars are only the mark of what you overcome. Not to dwell on them but to respect the life God has given us

    Denise Lackmann
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Beautiful to still be alive to hold his precious little girl.

    Patti
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So sad the pain he endured. Better days ahead

    Pat
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    THANK YOU, Hero for your service.

    Kipper Mcgee
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The diamond shaped holes or bumps are from skin grafting. They had to take skin from other parts of his body, poke holes in them and place them on his back. Sounds painful. Im so glad that he survived through all this to get to his family.

    #8

    Spc. Marissa Strock

    Spc. Marissa Strock

    Marissa Strock was injured when her vehicle was struck by an IED buried in the road. She was 20 years old.

    David Jay Report

    Sill Marien
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    so not old enough to buy beer but old enough to almost get herself killed in a stupid war? This is sick

    Kaitlyn Linde
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That is all recent wars have been about for sure, OIL!!!

    Denise Lackmann
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You are beautiful and hope you have a very fulfilling life.

    Pat
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    THANK YOU, Hero for your service.

    Patti
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You are a hero to all women

    Patti
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wiktor Ostow is an a*s

    Patti
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So weird, no mean comments until her, if she were a man would you be saying anything about weight or her government didn't care?

    rick hctep (Rick45)
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Control what you are eating lass or you will ruin what is left of your body, think ahead to when you want to marry, someone out there wants to marry you.

    View more comments
    #9

    Matt Smith

    Matt Smith

    On June 8, 2013, in Paktika Province, Afghanistan, Major Matt was shot along with five others by a member of the Afghan National Army. The bullet severed his femoral artery resulting in the amputation of his leg.

    David Jay Report

    Kaitlyn Linde
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You can tell just by the picture this is one strong amazing man!

    Azariah Apellido
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Please tell me he'll regenerate! (Get it? Cuz he played as the 11th doctor from Doctor Who.)

    Pat
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For your service, Hero, THANK YOU.

    #10

    Shilo Harris

    Shilo Harris

    SSG Shilo Harris lives in Houston. Shilo was severely burned on February 19th, 2007 by a road side bomb estimated at 700 lbs. He lost three men out of a crew of 5. Only Shilo and his driver survived the blast.

    David Jay Report

    Mieke Kupers
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a beautiful, integer series of pictures....

    Sibel Schreffler
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've had the pleasure to meet this man and he is one of the sweetest and funniest people that I have ever met.

    Ryan Hamilton
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I had the honor of listening to Shilo speak and was able of shaking his hand. His recovery and highly motivational return to society are miraculous.

    Denise Lackmann
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fortitude beyond anyone's imagination in the recovery spectrum. The mind is an amazing tool to overcome defeat. Much respect to all trying to make this world a better place to live.

    Pat
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dear Hero, THANK YOU for your service.

    Taylor Pearson
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was just wandering if they could still hear after that does any one know?

    Steven Ley
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why our stupid leaders don't go themselve to their wars in stead of sending innocent soldiers ?

    Susan Crabtree
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So very glad they all survived and so grateful for their service.

    #11

    Joel Tavera

    Joel Tavera

    Joel, now 26, was injured in Iraq at age 20. Severely burned, blinded, a leg lost and over 90 surgeries later. Joel had this to say: “Looks are deceiving . . . what looks like a half empty glass is actually three-quarters full”.

    David Jay Report

    Fifyhun Enw
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes .... they are way too young to go to war when it should be the countries leaders who should go to war rather than sit in offices. This is so sad that these youngsters have been denied a healthy future cause of having to fight cause leaders say so ffs! What the hell is the matter with the world!

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    Danny Root
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The glass half empty actually being three-quarters full analogy is a really powerful, positive way to look at anything in life, especially so after having something like this happen.

    Marie Rundel
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Incredible power inside you, Sir....

    Pat
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dear Hero, THANK YOU for your service.

    Barbara Baldwin
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks are NOT deceiving. They show why we have to stop so-called wars. Just don't go

    #12

    Christian Brown

    Christian Brown

    Marine CPL Christian Brown at the Walter Reed Medical Center. On Dec. 13, 2011, Christian was leading his squad on foot patrol in Helmand Province, Afghanistan when he stepped on an improvised explosive device. Both of his legs were blown off- one above the knee, the other below the hip. Just four days prior, under heavy enemy fire, Christian had carried a mortally wounded Marine almost 1,000 feet to a hovering helicopter.

    David Jay Report

    Pat
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I want to THANK YOU, Hero for your service.

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #13

    Stephanie Morris

    Stephanie Morris

    Army Specialist Stephanie Morris suffered leg injuries in an attack in Afghanistan. With physical therapy, she has since run the Army ten-miler. “I have to do it for them,” she says, speaking of the friends she lost in the attack.

    James Nachtwey Report

    Pat
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I want to THANK YOU, Hero for your service.

    #14

    Allan Armstrong

    Allan Armstrong

    Army staff sergeant Allan Armstrong was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan four times. He had just finished training when a motorcycle crash took his leg. He has since placed first in the 2014 Warrior Games in the 100 and 200 meter sprints.

    James Nachtwey Report

    TheRubyFalcon
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Through his injuries, he manages to stay Allan ArmSTRONG. What a wonderful and hardy spirit.

    Pat
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I want to THANK YOU, Hero for your service.

    Anna Powell
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't think this one should count as he wasn't injured because of the war but rather at home. He is a wondeful man for being deployed 4 times but unlike the others whos injuries came directly from the war his has not

    #15

    Navy Seal

    Navy Seal

    This is Navy Seal, Bo Reichenbach. 25 years old. He was injured on July, 17th 2012 in Afghanistan.

    David Jay Report

    #16

    Adam Hartswick

    Adam Hartswick

    Army combat medic Sergeant Adam Hartswick lost his legs and suffered a brain injury while treating wounded soldiers in Afghanistan. He is in virtual-reality therapy, and has learned to walk again.

    James Nachtwey Report

    Joseline Armistead
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My respect. If he got injured while saving the lives of your brothers in arms I bow my head in respect

    Pat
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hero, I want to THANK YOU for your service.

    #17

    Jose Ramos

    Jose Ramos

    Retired Navy hospital corpsman Jose Ramos lost an arm in an Iraqi rocket attack. He expects to participate in the 2016 Paralympics. “Running is what I do to relax,” he says.

    James Nachtwey Report

    Pat
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hero, I want to THANK YOU for your service.

    #18

    Wayne Waldon

    Wayne Waldon

    Retired Army Captain Wayne Waldon lost a leg in Baghdad, Iraq. Seven years later, he not only walks, but is an adaptive snowboarding champion. “The prosthetic leg doesn’t feel stuck to me anymore,” he says. “It has become part of me."

    James Nachtwey Report

    #19

    Daniel Burgess

    Daniel Burgess

    Daniel stepped on a IED, losing one leg and destroying the other.

    David Jay Report

    Joseline Armistead
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Keep your spirit up and thank you for your service

    Pat
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For your service, Hero, THANK YOU.

    #20

    David Bixler

    David Bixler

    Army Corporal David Bixler lost both legs while serving in Afghanistan.

    David Jay Report

    #21

    Matthew Aiken

    Matthew Aiken

    EOD Ssg Matthew Aiken. On April 3, 2013, Matt was injured while clearing an IED site on Kandahar.

    David Jay Report

    Ethan Firl
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No clever comments. Words do not suffice.

    Brek Brek
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Shame the politicians got away scot free, sending good people to fight in countries that had nothing to do with 9/11. The price they paid was too high no coutry should ask as much.

    Load More Replies...
    Pat
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For your service, Hero, THANK YOU.

    #22

    Michael Fox

    Michael Fox

    Michael Fox, a 27 year old Marine. On November 15, 2011 Michael was on foot patrol in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan.

    David Jay Report

    Kathie Heyden
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ya'll are true heroes & I pray your health continues to be positive. we are extremely grateful for your courage & indebted to you forever for all your sacrifices! 😍

    Pat
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For your service, Hero, THANK YOU.

    Shane Wallace
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    All hero's rite here. Thank you all for my freedom.

    Donna Leworthy
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The pride I integrity and pride I see in these photos Is truly inspiring! Sending blessings and hugs

    See Also on Bored Panda