All the below are images from
Tim Hetherington's book Infidel which is unfortunately now out of print and consequentially nearly $100 on the secondary market. One of my favorite photography books not just for the photos which are amazing, but also for the descriptions, some of which are lengthy explanations and some of which are dry descriptors.
Most of the below photos were taken in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan in 2007. A few are from Korengal Valley in 2008 and a few from the Abas Ghar ridge in 2007.
US bomb insurgents who are attacking from the northern positions in the village of Donga with phosphorus. Battle Company, 2nd Battalion Airborne of the 503rd US Infantry are currently undergoing a 15 month deployment in the Korengal Valley in the eastern province of Kunar in Afghanistan. The valley is an epicentre of the US fight against militant Islam in Afghanistan, and was previously held by the 10th Mountain Division. The Korengal valley is infamous as the site of the downing of a US helicopter. The valley has the highest concentration of fighting in Afghanistan and has the most munitions used than any other area of operation.
Specialist Gutierrez from 2nd platoon fires a grenade launcher from the bunker at observation point "Restrepo" after coming under attack by Taliban fighters. The observation point was named after medic Juan Restrepo who was killed a few months earlier.
Medic "Doc" Old treats specialist Gutierrez, injured during an attack on by Taliban fighters on the 'Restrepo' outpost.
Traditional airborne calling card.Battle Company, 2nd Battalion Airborne of the 503rd US Infantry are currently undergoing a 15 month deployment in the Korengal Valley in the eastern province of Kunar in Afghanistan. The valley is an epicentre of the US fight against militant Islam in Afghanistan, and was previously held by the 10th Mountain Division. The Korengal valley is infamous as the site of the downing of a US helicopter. The valley has the highest concentration of fighting in Afghanistan and has the most munitions used than any other area of operation.
Soldier Pemble sits below a dummy figure sometimes used to draw enemy fire at the 'Restrepo' bunker position. Battle Company, 2nd Battalion Airborne of the 503rd US Infantry are currently undergoing a 15 month deployment in the Korengal Valley in the eastern province of Kunar in Afghanistan. The valley is an epicentre of the US fight against militant Islam in Afghanistan, and was previously held by the 10th Mountain Division. The Korengal valley is infamous as the site of the downing of a US helicopter. The valley has the highest concentration of fighting in Afghanistan and has the most munitions used than any other area of operation.
Captain Dan kearney, head of Battle Company. Battle Company, 2nd Battalion Airborne of the 503rd US Infantry are currently undergoing a 15 month deployment in the Korengal Valley in the eastern province of Kunar in Afghanistan. The valley is an epicentre of the US fight against militant Islam in Afghanistan, and was previously held by the 10th Mountain Division. The Korengal valley is infamous as the site of the downing of a US helicopter. The valley has the highest concentration of fighting in Afghanistan and has the most munitions used than any other area of operation.
Grenade bandolier.
O'Byrne takes cover from the dust being generated by an incoming Chinook helicopter delivering supplies to 'Restrepo' firebase. Battle Company, 2nd Battalion Airborne of the 503rd US Infantry are currently undergoing a 15 month deployment in the Korengal Valley in the eastern province of Kunar in Afghanistan. The valley is an epicentre of the US fight against militant Islam in Afghanistan, and was previously held by the 10th Mountain Division. The Korengal valley is infamous as the site of the downing of a US helicopter. The valley has the highest concentration of fighting in Afghanistan and has the most munitions used than any other area of operation.
Vandenburg, a soldier with 2nd Platoon, Battle Company. Battle Company, 2nd Battalion Airborne of the 503rd US Infantry are currently undergoing a 15 month deployment in the Korengal Valley in the eastern province of Kunar in Afghanistan. The valley is an epicentre of the US fight against militant Islam in Afghanistan, and was previously held by the 10th Mountain Division. The Korengal valley is infamous as the site of the downing of a US helicopter. The valley has the highest concentration of fighting in Afghanistan and has the most munitions used than any other area of operation.
O'Byrne, a soldier with 2nd Platoon, Battle Company. Battle Company, 2nd Battalion Airborne of the 503rd US Infantry are currently undergoing a 15 month deployment in the Korengal Valley in the eastern province of Kunar in Afghanistan. The valley is an epicentre of the US fight against militant Islam in Afghanistan, and was previously held by the 10th Mountain Division. The Korengal valley is infamous as the site of the downing of a US helicopter. The valley has the highest concentration of fighting in Afghanistan and has the most munitions used than any other area of operation.
Specialist Sylvester Dunn, 2nd Platoon, Battle Company. In October 2007, Battle Company was at the centre of a Battalion wide combat operation called 'Rock Avalanche'. The object of the operation to was confront local Taliban and foreign fighters in and around the Korengal Valley, disrupt weapons supplies, and capture or kill key leaders. 2nd Platoon was a lead element and was at the forefront of the fighting in the 8-day long operation. Despite successes, the US lost three soldiers and had eight wounded. There was also a bombing incident that resulted in civilian deaths and casualties.
Specialist Donohoe, 2nd Platoon, Battle Company, 173rd Airborne. In October 2007, Battle Company was at the centre of a Battalion wide combat operation called 'Rock Avalanche'. The object of the operation to was confront local Taliban and foreign fighters in and around the Korengal Valley, disrupt weapons supplies, and capture or kill key leaders. 2nd Platoon was a lead element and was at the forefront of the fighting in the 8-day long operation. Despite successes, the US lost three soldiers and had eight wounded. There was also a bombing incident that resulted in civilian deaths and casualties.
Moreno, a soldier with 2nd Platoon, Battle Company. Battle Company, 2nd Battalion Airborne of the 503rd US Infantry are currently undergoing a 15 month deployment in the Korengal Valley in the eastern province of Kunar in Afghanistan. The valley is an epicentre of the US fight against militant Islam in Afghanistan, and was previously held by the 10th Mountain Division. The Korengal valley is infamous as the site of the downing of a US helicopter. The valley has the highest concentration of fighting in Afghanistan and has the most munitions used than any other area of operation.
On Patrol to Obi Nauw.
The soldiers of 2nd Platoon built the Restrepo outpost so that they no longer sleep out in the open. One of the billets has the symbol that the platoon has become known as the 'Spartans'.
Drawing inside the barracks at the Restrepo outpost.
Drawing inside the Restrepo outpost barracks.
Jones receives a spartan tattoo from Cantu in the barracks of 2nd Platoon at the main KOP firebase in the valley. Nearly all of the men have a tattoo of one variety or another.
Jones practices his golf swing while at the main KOP firebase in the valley. Soldiers spend about 2 weeks at the Restrepo outpost before coming back to the main KOP base where they can get a hot shower and call their family.
Sergeant Hoyt.