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Wilson Hurley: Painting the FACs in Action

Since pre-historic times, artists have attempted to convey the experience of warfare through art. Oftentimes, these artists base their interpretations of military actions on written or verbal accounts. Wilson Hurley, a FAC during the Southeast Asia War, put his personal memories of the war in Southeast Asia to canvas.

A pilot with the New Mexico Air National Guard, Hurley was called to active duty, and he completed his FAC training in December 1968. In a Cessna O-1 Bird Dog aircraft, he flew FAC missions in support of the First Regiment of the Republic of Korea's "Capital" Division from air bases at Qui Nhon and Phu Cat until May 1969, when he returned to the United States. 

Afterward, Hurley created a series of paintings based upon his experiences, and he donated them to the museum. These paintings are currently off public display.

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