Betty Boop's Veterans Day Salute!

Betty Boop in "There's Something About a Soldier" (1934)

Today we're marking Veterans Day by honoring some of the talented and brave members of the Fleischer Studios family who served in a wide range of capacities during World War II.

Although it's not widely known, a considerable number of animators served in World War II.

While some saw combat, many were called on to use their special blend of artistic talent and technical know-how to create training and educational films for our troops. Still others worked with the signal corp developing and managing communications, and others were enlisted by the government to create films that would help to build morale at home, and encourage Americans to do their part, whether it be by donating scrap metal or buying war bonds.

This historic photo, taken in front of the Fleischer Studio's Miami home, serves to commemorate some of the brave members of the Fleischer Studio family who served their country during World War II.

Myron Waldman (in the photo above, front row and third from the left) enlisted in the Signal Corp and worked with Frank Capra on the Why We Fight series which was created to show American soldiers the reason for U.S. involvement in the war, and later to the public to encourage American support for involvement in the war. 

One Fleischer animator who saw combat was Willard Bowsky. Having started with the Studio in the 1920's in New York, Bowsky - whose work can be seen in Talkartoon, Color Classics and Screen Song (Bouncing Ball) films, as well as dozens of classic Betty Boop and Popeye cartoon shorts - moved with the Studio to Florida in 1938, and enlisted in the Army in 1942.

Insignia designed by Willard Bowsky

Eventually assigned to the 14th Armored Division, Bowsky served as platoon leader with fifty men under his command in the 94th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron. Utilizing his artistic skills, he also designed the unit’s insignia.

Willard Bowsky

On November 27, 1944, Second Lieutenant Willard Bowsky was killed in action in the midst of a night time fire-fight near Metz, France. 

Willard Bowsky was posthumously awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart, and is interred at the Lorraine  American Cemetery in St. Avold, France.

On this Veterans Day, as we revisit and honor these great heroes of yesteryear, all of us at Fleischer Studios want to offer up our heart felt gratitude and admiration to to the courageous men and women - heroes all - who continue to fight for us today. 

References:
Animation: Who and Where
Mayerson on Animation
Willard Bowsky on Wikipedia
World War II and Animation

Thanks for all you do!