Arthur Rickerby with his camera. (Photo by Arthur Rickerby/The LIFE Images Collection)

Arthur Rickerby with his camera. (Photo by Arthur Rickerby/The LIFE Images Collection)

Arthur Rickerby (1921-1972) paid his way through Duke by covering sports for local papers. Rickerby spent World War II in Edward Steichen’s crack Navy photography unit, chronicling the fall of Japan: battles, prison camps and the surrender aboard the USS Missouri. His portraits of politicians were hung in the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. For all that, he is probably best remembered for mastering the craft he started out with: sports photography.

Adapted from The Great LIFE Photographers

President John F. Kennedy with his wife, Jackie, arriving at Love Field, on a campaign tour with Vice President Lyndon, on the day of his assassination. (Photo by Arthur Rickerby/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)

President John F. Kennedy with his wife, Jackie, arriving at Love Field, on a campaign tour with Vice President Lyndon, on the day of his assassination. (Photo by Arthur Rickerby/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)

Fans welcoming Giants star Willie Mays at Polo Grounds. (Photo by Arthur Rickerby/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)

Fans welcoming Giants star Willie Mays at Polo Grounds. (Photo by Arthur Rickerby/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)

Cleveland Browns Vince Costello (#50) wrapping a tackle around Green Bay Packers running back Jim Taylor. (Photo by Arthur Rickerby/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)

Cleveland Browns Vince Costello (#50) wrapping a tackle around Green Bay Packers running back Jim Taylor. (Photo by Arthur Rickerby/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)

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