William Swanson, matroos, Newport, R.I., 1944 1944

This small, framed photograph, likely a "photo booth" portrait, captures William Swanson, a sailor in the United States Navy, in 1944. The image showcases Swanson in his uniform, a portrait format that was popular during wartime as a way for soldiers and their families to maintain a visual connection across distances. This intimate and unassuming snapshot provides a glimpse into the lives of ordinary individuals during a period of immense global conflict.