Mauldin, Bill

Bill Mauldin (1921-2003) was quite simply the greatest American war cartoonist to put pen to paper. Through his two archetypal characters, Willie and Joe, Mauldin spoke truth to power, presenting the "dogfaces" in a more truthful and honest way than was typically shown to the public. While this earned Mauldin the admiration and respect of the foot soldiers, it did not put him in good stead with the upper brass, General George Patton in particular. Patton was not a fan of Mauldin's work, as he felt it was disrespectful to the Army. After Maudin received one closed-door chewing out from Patton, he went on with his cartoons as usual, only causing Patton's ire to rise even further. Patton threatened to throw Mauldin in the brig, but General Dwight Eisenhower, who recognized how Mauldin's work lifted the morale of the soldiers, intervened, basically declaring Mauldin as untouchable.

Mauldin started out doing cartoons while in the 45th Division Infantry, for the 45th Division News. It was here that he created his famous characters, Willie and Joe, who would later be exposed to a much wider audience in the pages of Stars and Stripes.

Mauldin's work not only had a tremendous impact on the foot soliders during WWII, but made a great impression on the public as well. The Army publicized the work well, and the cartoon appeared in many US newspapers. Mauldin won the first of his Pulitzer Prizes for Editorial Cartooning in 1945, while serving in the Army.

But Mauldin's artwork also left an impression on future generations of artists. The movie and TV series M*A*S*H were clearly impacted by the sometimes dark and ironic humor found in the Mauldin's Up Front cartoons. And the EC war comics of the 1950s--which sported a stable of cartoonist, many of whom who served in the military during WWII--certainly showed a view of war that was not unlike Mauldin's. There are elements of Mauldin's style in the earlier work of Jack Davis, who has claimed Mauldin as an influence. And Charles Schulz, of Peanuts fame, who was also a machine gun squad leader during WWII, never forgot Mauldin, always hoisting a root beer in his honor in the strip, on Veteran's Day.

Most of Bill Mauldin's WWII cartoons were given to the 45th Division Museum, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. They remain quite scarce in private collections.

For more information about Mauldin and his work, check out Todd DePastino's wonderful biography, "A Life Up Front". Fantagraphics issued an equally wonderful two-volume set, in conjunction with the release of Todd's book. "Willie and Joe: The WWII Years", presents all of Mauldin's work done during WWII. Additionally, you can visit my Bill Mauldin Art website for more information.

There are 18 Pieces of Art In This Gallery.    

This Room is Ordered By The Owner's Preference.

There are 18 Pieces of Art In This Gallery.    

This Room is Ordered By The Owner's Preference.