Several years ago I contacted the curator of the
25th Infantry Division Historical Museum in
Oklahoma City regarding the cartoon works of
artist, Bill Mauldin. During World War II at the
beginning of his service, Mauldin was assigned
to that unit.
Later, after his artistic talent was recognized,
Mauldin was re-assigned to work for The Stars
and Stripes military newspaper.
Today, the infantry museum displays many of
Mauldin’s original hardship and satirical cartoon
depictions of G.I. situations during World War II.
It’s worth mentioning that Mauldin was a two
time recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for his
cartoon work.
When I was a child, my father, a veteran of WWII,
gave me his government issued paper-back copy
of Mauldin’s, Up Front. Mauldin and his cartoons
were an inspiration to me. I have relied on my
caricatures and whimsical cartoon renderings
for a good deal of my life.
A few years ago, I had done a sculpture honoring
Mauldin’s featured G.I. characters, Willie and Joe.
I asked the museum’s curator if he would be inter-
ested in displaying my art piece. He not only de-
clined my offer, but threatened to file a law suit
against me if I used the title of “Willie and Joe” in
any way, shape or form associated with my work.
I came back at him, “You go right ahead, I could
certainly use the publicity.” But I decided to let
the whole issue go, and went on my merry way.
I wanted to give Bill Mauldin credit for my inspiration,
so appropriately I titled my artwork, After Bill Mauldin’s,
Willie and Joe.
Mauldin’s artistic legacy shall long outlive me and my
rendering of Willie and Joe. And as for that red-neck, Okie
museum, curator’s name, it’s not worth remembering or
mentioning either.
-30-
Chris Hanch 5-10-2021
No comments:
Post a Comment