The picture, taken by embedded AP photographer Julie Jacobson, shows Lance Cpl. Joshua Bernard suffering severe leg wounds from a rocket-propelled grenade fired at him in an ambush in Helmand province on Aug. 14.
The 21-year-old Marine's father, from New Portland, Maine, reportedly asked the AP to take down the photo in an interview and follow-up phone call.
The AP said it decided to publish the photo even though Bernard's father objected. A Politico.com report claims Defense Secretary Robert Gates strongly objected to the organization's decision, and told the AP his feelings in a letter.
"I cannot imagine the pain and suffering Lance Corporal Bernard's death has caused his family. Why your organization would purposefully defy the family's wishes knowing full well that it will lead to yet more anguish is beyond me. Your lack of compassion and common sense in choosing to put this image of their maimed and stricken child on the front page of multiple American newspapers is appalling," Gates wrote.
The AP's senior managing editor, John Daniszewski, said that the image is "part of the history or war" and that the photo and accompanying story are "a respectful treatment and recognition of sacrifice."
The photo accompanied an article called "Calm -- then sudden death in Afghan war," by Alfred de Montesquiou and Julie Jacobson.
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