[harpseal]

I can not say I know the truth about that photo as I was not there and did not see it.

[ASA Vet]

Here's a link to the true story from the official USN publication "All Hands"

Here's the real photo.

The doctored photo has been selling in Thailand, Laos, for several years.
I've found in places of honor in Lao households here in the US too.
The story they tell is that all of those Americans in the photo died due to their touching of the sacred Naga.
They get a little upset, (after doing the denial thing,) when told they've been suckered.