The Story Behind the Iconic Lee Harvey Oswald Photo: Between a Pulitzer and a Heartbreak in a Split Second
Who hasn’t heard of Lee Harvey Oswald? The assassin of U.S. President John F. Kennedy. Now, have you ever seen the photo of him being shot dead? It’s one of the most iconic journalistic photos in the 20th century’s history.
In that picture, Oswald is grimacing in pain, clutching his stomach after a bullet pierced him. The police officer in front of him looks shocked and instinctively recoils.
And on the other side, the shooter, Jack Ruby, aggressively brandishes his gun. The moment is so intense, dramatic, and perfectly captured.
This powerful photo was snapped by a photographer named Bob Jackson. Thanks to this shot, Jackson instantly became famous, his name soaring, and ultimately, he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize, one of the most prestigious accolades in journalism. It’s safe to say that one single shot changed his entire life and career.
Two Photographers, One Moment, Different Fates
But did you know? In the same place, on the same day, and at almost the exact same moment, there was another photographer who also captured Oswald’s shooting. His name was Jack Beers.
And here lies the drama and irony of the story.
The photo taken by Jack Beers shows the moment a split second before Oswald was shot. Imagine, experts estimate the time difference between Beers’ photo and Jackson’s photo was only about 1/16 of a second! Truly a blink of an eye.
Perhaps Jack Beers was the first to realize something was wrong. He saw Jack Ruby pushing through the crowd, raising his gun-wielding hand. Quickly, Beers aimed and pressed his camera’s shutter. So, in terms of skill and quick reaction, Beers deserves credit.
However, when we look at his photo, there’s a big difference. In Beers’ photo, Jack Ruby is indeed in the frame, his hand already extended with the gun.
Yet, Lee Harvey Oswald and the deputies escorting him still look calm, even seeming unaware of the impending danger.
Their expressions are still “innocent,” showing no signs of shock, pain, or panic. The atmosphere in that photo still feels like it’s before the “bomb” exploded.
Compare that to Bob Jackson’s photo, which shows the immediate impact of the shot. There’s real pain, clearly captured surprise, and overflowing aggression. Jackson’s photo successfully captured the emotional and physical climax of the event.
When “Almost” Isn’t Enough: Jack Beers’ Heartbreaking Story
Because his photo “only” showed the moment before the shot, Jack Beers’ capture was considered not as dramatic and not as impactful as Bob Jackson’s photo.
The consequence?
Jack Beers received no recognition whatsoever for the photo he took. And yet, he was there, at the center of the action, with his camera ready. He was so close, so incredibly close!
The failure to capture that most iconic moment apparently left a deep wound for Jack Beers. According to his family, Beers never truly got over the incident.
The disappointment and regret of “almost” getting the shot of a lifetime that would have changed everything, continued to haunt him. Jack Beers passed away in a sad state, forgotten and depressed, far from the glory and awards that Bob Jackson achieved.
The story of Bob Jackson and Jack Beers is a poignant reminder of how thin the line is between success and “almost success” in the world of photojournalism.
Sometimes, just a split second can completely turn someone’s fate and recognition around. It also shows the critical importance of a “decisive moment” in a photograph, which can make all the difference between an ordinary picture and an eternal masterpiece.
