92-year-old Vietnam War hero and iconic photo subject Air Force Lt. Col. Robert Stirm has passed away on the morning of Veterans Day, leaving behind a legacy that continues to bring joy to those who knew him.
Stirm was a prisoner of war in Vietnam for an unprecedented five years before being freed in 1973. The image of his daughter, Lorrie Kitching, running towards him with her arms outstretched as he stepped off the plane is etched in the memories of many, and has become one of the most iconic moments captured by Associated Press photographer Slava Veder.
Kitching recently reflected on that moment, describing it as "a glorious moment" and saying she was so proud to be his daughter at 15 years old. She also spoke about the letters her father wrote to her from prison camp, including one where he proudly called her his "teenage girl."
Stirm's experience in Vietnam was marked by hardship, but also camaraderie with fellow prisoners, including the late Sen. John McCain, who lost a day before being shot down. The photo that captured their reunion has become a symbol of hope and resilience for many.
The "Burst of Joy" photo won the 1974 Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography and remains one of the most enduring images from the Vietnam War era. As Kitching said, her father's return home was a moment that will always be remembered, and his legacy continues to inspire those who knew him.
Stirm was a prisoner of war in Vietnam for an unprecedented five years before being freed in 1973. The image of his daughter, Lorrie Kitching, running towards him with her arms outstretched as he stepped off the plane is etched in the memories of many, and has become one of the most iconic moments captured by Associated Press photographer Slava Veder.
Kitching recently reflected on that moment, describing it as "a glorious moment" and saying she was so proud to be his daughter at 15 years old. She also spoke about the letters her father wrote to her from prison camp, including one where he proudly called her his "teenage girl."
Stirm's experience in Vietnam was marked by hardship, but also camaraderie with fellow prisoners, including the late Sen. John McCain, who lost a day before being shot down. The photo that captured their reunion has become a symbol of hope and resilience for many.
The "Burst of Joy" photo won the 1974 Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography and remains one of the most enduring images from the Vietnam War era. As Kitching said, her father's return home was a moment that will always be remembered, and his legacy continues to inspire those who knew him.
. Five years in a POW camp is crazy to think about. Glad the AP photographer Slava Veder was there to capture that iconic 'Burst of Joy' photo 
. Kitching's story about her dad's letters from prison makes me appreciate my own family even more 
. It's moments like those that remind us of the importance of human connection during tough times 
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. he had this amazing story of being a prisoner of war for 5 years & then getting reunited with his daughter lorrie in this iconic photo that won the pulitzer prize in 1974 
. it's crazy how that one moment still brings joy to people's lives all these yrs later 
But u no, he kept his sanity & even wrote letters to his daughter Lorrie, callin her his "teenage girl" 
. It warms my heart 2 think about that "Burst of Joy" photo - it's literally the most iconic pic from Vietnam War era! 
Slava Veder did an amazing job capturin that magic moment. I'm so glad Lorrie shared her story & we got 2 see the real Robert Stirm thru her eyes 
gotta ask tho where r we getting this info from? no source mentioned here btw... seems like AP photographer slava veder is credited with the pic but thats not all of it... what else did veder write or say abt that moment? also wonder what kinda letters Lt Col Stirm was writin to his daughter from prison camp 
... dont wanna spread rumors without facts
he was 92 tho so thats old, even for vets lol. i feel bad he got stuck in vietnam for like 5 yrs straight tho. that's some crazy stuff. but his daughter Lorrie is still smiling about it? that's amazing. and the pics of him and mccain are wild. like what was going thru those guys minds during that time? 
at least they had each other, thats something. anyway, RIP Stirm 