The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #55967 Message #872610
Posted By: musicmick
23-Jan-03 - 01:41 AM
Thread Name: Obit: Bill Mauldin
Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Mauldin
I read his prize winning book, UP FRONT, when I was a teenager. It was the most sympathetic look at the reality of a "Dog Face" soldier's life. His work with the army paper, STARS AND STRIPES, was his best, I think. I'm not sure if UP FRONT is still in print. I dont think that the sequel, BACK HOME, is available but it would be worth asking your library about. I do remember that drawing of Lincoln crying after the assasination of Kennedy. I think that one was a prize winner, too. Did you happen to see Mauldin in the movie, The Red Badge of Courage"? He had a major role and received second billing to Audie Murphy. (Murphy, of course, was the most decorated soldier of WW2 and Mauldin was the most honored reporter of that conflict). Walt Kelly used to quote Mauldin in Pogo. The left has too few heros with Mauldin's wit and heart. The giants are irreplacable.