Photo Surfaces 63 Years After Pyle's Death

The figure in the photograph is clad in Army fatigues, boots and helmet, lying on his back in peaceful repose, folded hands holding a military cap. Except for a thin trickle of blood from the corner of his mouth, he could be asleep. But he is not asleep, he is dead. And this is not just another fallen GI; it is Ernie Pyle, the most celebrated war correspondent of World War II. As far as can be determined, the photograph has never been published. It is a striking and painful image,, but Ernie Pyle wanted people to see and understand the sacrifices that soldiers had to make, so it is fitting, in a way, that this photo of his own death drives home the reality and the finality of that sacrifice.The negative is long lost and only a few prints are known to exist.