Vietnam War Combat Photographer Shares Stories at CMAC Breakfast

Dennis Fisher, a Battle Ground resident, discussed his experiences as a Marine Corps combat photographer in Vietnam during a recent Community Military Appreciation Committee event.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Dennis Fisher, a Battle Ground, Washington resident, shared his experiences as a Marine Corps combat photographer during the Vietnam War at a recent Community Military Appreciation Committee (CMAC) breakfast. Fisher, who published a book titled "Then All Hell Broke Loose: The Odyssey of a Marine Corps Photographer in Vietnam" last November, discussed the dangers he faced while on patrols and operations, and showed photos he took that captured the realities of the war.

Why it matters

Fisher's firsthand accounts and photographs provide a unique perspective on the Vietnam War, shedding light on the experiences of combat photographers who risked their lives to document the conflict. His talk at the CMAC breakfast allowed community members, including those without military experience, to better understand the sacrifices and challenges faced by veterans during the war.

The details

As a combat photographer, Fisher was embedded with infantry units, going on regular patrols and participating in named operations. He took photographs that were used for intelligence gathering, as well as for award ceremonies. Many of his photos captured the danger and violence of the war, including images of American colleagues who were later killed or injured. Fisher himself was also injured during his time in Vietnam.

  • Dennis Fisher arrived in Vietnam in December 1966 as a Marine infantry rifleman.
  • In 1967, Fisher was given a secondary Military Occupational Specialty as a combat still photographer.
  • Fisher's book, "Then All Hell Broke Loose: The Odyssey of a Marine Corps Photographer in Vietnam", was first published in November 2022.

The players

Dennis Fisher

A combat photographer who served in the Vietnam War and now lives in Battle Ground, Washington. He has published a book about his experiences titled "Then All Hell Broke Loose: The Odyssey of a Marine Corps Photographer in Vietnam".

Community Military Appreciation Committee (CMAC)

A community organization in Vancouver, Washington that hosts bi-weekly breakfasts and plans events to honor and support veterans.

Ron Powers

The chair of the Community Military Appreciation Committee.

Anne McEnerny-Ogle

The mayor of Vancouver, Washington, who thanked Vietnam War veterans for their service during the CMAC breakfast.

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What they’re saying

“For all practical purposes, you are just an infantryman with a camera.”

— Dennis Fisher, Combat Photographer (clarkcountytoday.com)

“The guys who were in Vietnam will recognize this stuff. For family members .. this might give you a better idea of what it looked like out there.”

— Dennis Fisher, Combat Photographer (clarkcountytoday.com)

“There are a lot of books on combat photography, but none of them actually take one photographer and follow his whole tour through Vietnam so you could see what he was doing day to day.”

— Dennis Fisher, Combat Photographer (clarkcountytoday.com)

“You served with courage, often in silence, and too often without the recognition you deserved when you returned home. We see you. We respect you. … And we are deeply thankful for all that you have given. Welcome home.”

— Anne McEnerny-Ogle, Mayor of Vancouver (clarkcountytoday.com)

What’s next

The Community Military Appreciation Committee plans to host more guest speakers at their bi-weekly breakfasts in the future, providing opportunities for veterans to share their stories and for the community to learn more about their experiences.

The takeaway

Dennis Fisher's firsthand accounts and photographs from his time as a combat photographer in Vietnam offer a unique and powerful perspective on the realities of the war, shedding light on the sacrifices and challenges faced by those who served. His talk at the CMAC breakfast allowed the local community to better understand and appreciate the experiences of Vietnam War veterans.