thumbnail of Whites of Their Eyes_Kenneth Riley_1962_JFKennedy.JPG
thumbnail of Whites of Their Eyes_Kenneth Riley_1962_JFKennedy.JPG
Whites of Their... JPG
(71.34 KB, 814x541)
 >>/154673/
"The Whites of Their Eyes!" is the title of a painting by Ken Riley that depicts the Battle of Bunker Hill. The painting is part of the National Guard Heritage Series, and it was presented to President John F. Kennedy in 1962. The phrase "Do not fire until you see the whites of their eyes" is a famous order attributed to Colonel William Prescott during the Battle of Bunker Hill, emphasizing the need for disciplined fire and close range engagements. 

Ken Riley:
Kenneth Riley was a painter and illustrator known for his historical and war-themed works. 

Battle of Bunker Hill:
The painting depicts the American militia's defense against British forces at Bunker Hill during the Revolutionary War. 

National Guard Heritage Series:
The painting is part of a series commissioned by the National Guard Bureau to document the history of the National Guard. 

Presentation to President Kennedy:
The painting was presented to President Kennedy in 1962 and now resides in the Kennedy Presidential Library. 

Meaning of the phrase:
The phrase "Do not fire until you see the whites of their eyes" is a historical order urging soldiers to conserve ammunition and wait for a precise moment to engage the enemy. 

https://www.nationalguard.mil/Resources/Image-Gallery/Historical-Paintings/Heritage-Series/Whites-of-Eyes/
https://www.defense.gov/Spotlights/DOD-Support-to-the-Southern-Border/Photos/igphoto/2003733246/