Details:

John F. Kennedy original 5 x 5 inch black-and-white photograph taken by Cecil W. Stoughton, depicting President Kennedy formally presenting a military decoration to Lauris Norstad during an official White House ceremony. The image captures Kennedy standing at a microphone as he affixes the medal to Norstad’s uniform, framed by ornate drapery and U.S. flags.

The reverse is stamped “CECIL W. STOUGHTON – Office of the Military Aide to the President” and printed on Kodak photographic paper, with a handwritten date notation “4-3-63”, placing the photograph within Kennedy’s final year in office. As the president’s chief White House photographer, Stoughton documented the most consequential ceremonial, diplomatic, and military moments of the Kennedy administration.

At the time this photograph was taken, General Lauris Norstad was one of the most influential military figures in the Western alliance, having served as Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) and commander of NATO forces during some of the most tense years of the Cold War. His leadership played a central role in shaping U.S. and NATO defense posture against the Soviet Union.

Fine condition.

Provenance: From the archive of Cecil Stoughton (1920–2008), official White House photographer best known for capturing some of the most iconic images of the Kennedy administration, including the swearing-in of Lyndon B. Johnson aboard Air Force One following JFK’s assassination. His body of work remains an essential visual record of the early 1960s American presidency.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

Premium:
A 25% Buyers Premium Will Be Added to All Winning Bids

Reference sku: 11665 1414049-1