Nick Ut, a Vietnamese-American photojournalist, is globally renowned for his 1972 photograph “The Terror of War” (commonly known as “Napalm Girl”), which powerfully exposed the brutal realities of war and inspired widespread anti-war and peace initiatives. In 2022, he was awarded the title of ICSO Global Humanitarian Ambassador in recognition of his outstanding contributions to world peace and anti-war advocacy. In this exclusive interview, we explore his experiences on the frontlines and the stories behind his lens, as well as how his photography and continued efforts have shaped global reflection on war atrocities and advanced the cause of peace.
01 Exclusive Interview
ICSO: Mr. Ut, congratulations on receiving the 2022 ICSO Global Humanitarian Ambassador award. Could you share what experiences led you from being a regular photographer to committing yourself to the cause of world peace and anti-war advocacy?
Nick Ut: Thank you for the recognition. My career in photography began in 1966, when I was just 15 years old. I joined the Associated Press to continue the work of my late brother, who had also been a photographer. At the time, the Vietnam War was at its most intense. The more I witnessed through my lens—the bloodshed and suffering—the more I realized the power of truth in images. Every photo I took had the potential to awaken public conscience and spark conversations about peace.
ICSO: Your 1972 photograph “The Terror of War” shocked the world. Can you describe the moment you took the photo, and how you processed the story behind the image?
Nick Ut: That day, we were investigating the aftermath of a misdirected napalm bomb in the village of Trảng Bàng. I saw a 9-year-old girl, Phan Thi Kim Phuc, screaming and fleeing the scene. I immediately put down my camera to rush her to the hospital. Later, when the photo was published, I was deeply shaken. Photography isn’t just about documentation—it’s a form of advocacy. Every time the photo is shown again, it silently questions the atrocities of war: “This is the truth of war.”
02 Exclusive Interview
ICSO: You won the 1973 Pulitzer Prize for that photo, the highest honor in photojournalism. How did winning the award change your life and work? What impact did it have on your dedication to peace?
Nick Ut: Winning the Pulitzer certainly brought me greater visibility around the world and gave me a larger platform to spread anti-war messages. But for me, the most important thing remains: making the truth visible. The Pulitzer wasn’t just an honor—it gave me a greater responsibility. I couldn’t stop at taking the photo—I had to transform the “power of the image” into ongoing actions to support the victims of war.
ICSO: You’ve maintained a long-standing relationship with Kim Phuc, and you’ve appeared together at multiple international peace conferences. Could you tell us about this friendship that transcended war and how it has shaped your peace advocacy?
Nick Ut: Reuniting with Kim Phuc was incredibly meaningful for me. She transformed from a war victim into a peace ambassador. Together, we’ve spoken at the United Nations and various parliaments, urging world leaders to consider the harm war inflicts on civilians. This friendship taught me that photography can not only capture a moment but also witness the rebirth and hope of life—helping people believe that the wounds of war can be healed through dialogue and forgiveness.
03 Exclusive Interview
ICSO: After the Vietnam War ended in 1975, you were stationed in Los Angeles with the Associated Press, continuing to cover major news stories. How do you view the role of photojournalists in reporting on peace and conflict?
Nick Ut: Photojournalists are witnesses and recorders of history. We’re often on the frontlines of conflict, and it’s our duty to present the truth with objectivity and fairness. Only when the public sees the deep suffering that war inflicts on civilians can we influence public opinion and policy, potentially preventing future conflicts.
ICSO: You received the U.S. National Medal of Arts in 2021. What does this honor mean to you personally and in the context of your work for peace?
Nick Ut: The National Medal of Arts is the highest recognition from the U.S. federal government for contributions to the arts. Having my work displayed in national museums has allowed me to speak out on even broader platforms. This honor doesn’t just belong to me—it belongs to all those who have suffered in war yet bravely stand up to pursue peace. It motivates me to continue using photography and public speaking to encourage people to reflect on war and embrace peace.
04 Exclusive Interview
ICSO: In terms of humanitarianism and peace advocacy, what changes would you most like to see from the international community? What advice would you offer to the younger generation of photographers?
Nick Ut: I hope nations around the world will incorporate the voices of war victims into their decision-making processes and prioritize the welfare of civilians—not just military or political interests. To young photographers, my advice is this: have the courage to enter conflict zones and use your lens to record the truth. But also have empathy—use your work to call for human dignity and peaceful dialogue. Photography is not just a technical skill—it’s a responsibility.
ICSO: You received the U.S. National Medal of Arts in 2021. What does this honor mean to you personally and in the context of your work for peace?
Nick Ut: The National Medal of Arts is the highest recognition from the U.S. federal government for contributions to the arts. Having my work displayed in national museums has allowed me to speak out on even broader platforms. This honor doesn’t just belong to me—it belongs to all those who have suffered in war yet bravely stand up to pursue peace. It motivates me to continue using photography and public speaking to encourage people to reflect on war and embrace peace.
Closing Remarks
Through this interview, we see that Nick Ut is not only an outstanding photojournalist but also a passionate advocate for peace who turns images into action. From the battlefield photo of “Napalm Girl” to global peace forums, he has documented the brutal truth of war while tirelessly advancing global reflection and reconciliation. As he firmly believes: authentic documentation and sustained advocacy are the true forces that can change the world and heal its wounds.
