In collaboration with the Modern War Institute, The Harding Project is spotlighting a very special “Harding Project #ArmyAuthor Profile” on Bill Mauldin on the 22nd Anniversary of his passing. We strongly suggest you add it to your weekend reading list. For those who may not know, Sergeant Bill Mauldin, an unapologetic, stirrer-upper cartoonist, grew to fame during World War II for capturing the every day experiences of foot soldiers in the war.
His prowess as a cartoonist lead him to interact with and gain the endorsement of titanic historical figures like General Dwight Eisenhower and President Franklin Roosevelt. His art also won him several accolades, including becoming the youngest Pulitzer Prize recipient in 1945 for his two dogface soldiers, Willie and Joe.
His granddaughter, MAJ Erin Mauldin, is currently an Infantry officer and instructor in the history department at West Point. In her article, she chronicles her grandfather’s fascinating legacy and rise to stardom, sharing several of his cartoons. She also divulges the personal and timeless meaning of his work in her own life, especially as an infantry officer.
MAJ Mauldin maintains a copy of her grandfather’s Up Front on her desk, reminding herself “who [she has] committed to lead and what [she expects] them to do”. She closes with the particular relevance these cartoons have in the throes of the war in Ukraine and the impending, dynamic LSCO environment.
Bill Mauldin’s cartoons remind us that even in chaos and war, we can still find small moments of humanity. There is no greater gesture of love than sharing your “last pair o’ dry socks” or the M&Ms from your MRE. His legacy documenting the experiences of infantrymen on the frontlines will live on and is as relevant in 2025, as it was in 1943. Thank you, Bill.
Copyright 1944 by Bill Mauldin
I enjoyed Erin’s recounting of her grandfather’s experience. I happen to be reading “Brave Men” by Ernie Pyle, which mentions some Soldiers from the 45th Division. They just moved off Sicily to the mainland where a I am in the book. Neat connections of LSCO 75-80 years later.
Thank you for sharing.