A former Los Angeles policeman, Paul Dorsey (1902-) joined LIFE in 1936 as the first photographer signed after the original four—Margaret Bourke-White, Alfred Eisenstaedt, Thomas McAvoy, and Peter Stackpole—had been hired. Dorsey initially made his mark at LIFE with his work in China and Japan. As a Marine Corps photographer attached to Edward Steichen’s unit during World War II, Dorsey later returned to Asia for combat operations in Saipan and Guam.

Adapted from The Great LIFE Photographers

LIFE magazine cover published August 16, 1943, featuring Japanese soldiers. (Photo by Paul Dorsey/The LIFE Images Collection)

LIFE magazine cover published August 16, 1943, featuring Japanese soldiers. (Photo by Paul Dorsey/The LIFE Images Collection)

Writer and director Preston Sturges, in white tee shirt, showing cut on arm. (Photo by Paul Dorsey/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)

Writer and director Preston Sturges, in white tee shirt, showing cut on arm. (Photo by Paul Dorsey/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)

Screenwriter Jack Cunningham snapping suspenders as he works on Harold Lloyd's new film. (Photo by Paul Dorsey/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)

Screenwriter Jack Cunningham snapping suspenders as he works on Harold Lloyd’s new film. (Photo by Paul Dorsey/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)

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