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"We were the eyes of the army." (Video Interview, 9:53)

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   Ben Rosen
Image of Ben Rosen
Ben Rosen [detail from video]
War: World War, 1939-1945
Branch: Army Air Forces/Corps
Unit: 34th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (PRS)
Service Location: England; France; Germany; European Theater
Rank: Sergeant
Place of Birth: OH
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Like Roy Teifeld, his comrade in the 34th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, Ben Rosen worked on the ground to process and develop the aerial photographs taken by the squadron for intelligence purposes. His efforts resulted in aerial photos of the highest quality: he describes how they could reveal the shadow of a man on the ground. He narrates the unity and camaraderie among the entire squadron, pilots and photo technicians alike: they all worked toward the common goal of making sure the Army knew what was up ahead.

Interview (Video)
»Interview Highlights  (3 clips)
»Complete Interview  (71 min.)
 Other Materials
»Biographical information
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»Military Photographers: Framing the Shot
 Video (Interview Excerpts) (3 items)
Taking his own pictures in his free time; in charge of Speed Graphics department; taking any still photos on the ground that were needed by Army. (01:11) Feeling like he was making a difference even though he wasn’t in battle; high quality of photos they produced; taking photos from low altitudes; importance of good photography in intelligence. (03:43) Technical advances made during war; photos taken on planes that were made strictly for photo reconnaissance; assembling mosaic panoramas of photos; pilots really put their lives on the lines; losing pilots. (04:55)
  
 
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  The Library of Congress  >> American Folklife Center
  October 26, 2011
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