1942.11.16 “The New Draftee”
by Ferman Martin (1899-1977)
14 x 16 in, ink on board
Coppola Collection
Ferman Martin was an American editorial cartoonist best known for his provocative political cartoons and military illustrations during World War II. Working primarily for the Houston Chronicle, his wartime artwork often featured biting caricatures of Axis leaders and pro-Marine Corps posters that were used to boost home-front morale. "Dear Santa: Send Us Some More Japs" (1942) was nne of his most famous Marine Corps Publicity Bureau posters. It depicted a U.S. Marine on Wake Island writing a letter to Santa while surrounded by caricatures of defeated Japanese soldier. He joined the Houston Chronicle in 1937.
Originally, under the 1940 Selective Training and Service Act, men were drafted beginning at age 21 and served for a limited term. As demands increased after US entry into the war, Congress lowered the draft age to 18 on November 11, 1942, which FDR signed on November 13. At the same time, service obligations were extended from the earlier fixed-term system to service for the duration of the war. It was during this period the adage “old enough to fight, old enough to vote” was popularized.
