William Eugene Smith (1918–1978) was a pioneering American photojournalist celebrated for his gripping war photography, including harrowing WWII images from Pacific battles like Saipan, Iwo Jima and Okinawa.. Renowned for Life magazine essays like Country Doctor and Spanish Village, he later documented industrial pollution in Minamata. Smith’s immersive, empathetic approach redefined documentary photography, blending artistry with social activism. His work remains a benchmark in visual journalism.