Our exploration of Disney-designed World War II-era insignia continues in this, our latest 2719 Hyperion Exhibition Hall exhibit. Service With Character - Wave II: Whimsical Thought and Serious Intent presents forty more emblem designs culled from the pages of Walt Disney's Comics and Stories. These particular insignia were featured in issues of the comic book published during the early part of 1943. Included are the corresponding identifications and descriptions that appeared with each design.
Wave II includes a greater representation of established Disney characters. Donald Duck, Goofy and Pluto are all prominently featured, while Jose Carioca, Clara Cluck, the Big Bad Wolf and even a Fantasia broomstick were among other members of the Disney canon drafted into service.
The title of this exhibit is derived from the description for the insigne for the 117th CA GP (AA), affectionately dubbed "Annie Aircraft." It noted that the design combined "whimsical thought and serious intent." It seemed an appropriate description for the Disney Studio's overall efforts in providing insignia designs.
The first wave of Service with Character: Disney World War II Insignia remains on display in Exhibit Room 2W.
The first wave of Service with Character: Disney World War II Insignia remains on display in Exhibit Room 2W.
"Annie Aircraft" doesn't mince words when she speaks--and woe to the
enemy if he should appear! This design combines whimsical thought
and serious intent.
Secrecy is implied in this design. And on any important job,
Pluto enjoys acting as a guard--he wants to do his part too!
This squadron enlisted the services of Donald Duck in their
insigne. And Donald was, of course, happy to oblige.
Destroyer Base, San Diego
Messengers of destruction. The enemy will realize more and more
the mighty force of an aroused nation as Americans train for victory.
Reconnaissance Squadron
On the job--and not missing a thing! That spirit, portrayed in this
design, is no doubt the spirit of the squadron.
An insigne for the bombardiers who are in training for the serious
job ahead, and the officers who instruct them, at one of the
Bombardier Schools.
of the 12th Armored Division
The Armored Infantry support and exploit the action of
armored tanks, sometimes on foot, sometimes on armored vehicles.
Moving Day holds no difficulties for this squadron, as the insgne indicates.
And the spirit to do the job well is just as evident.
Civil Air Patrol
Donald Duck on the job! He's going to do his part in every way he can!
Security Station 3, Gaviota, California
(Identified in the comic book as Coast Guard (83359) but appears to
be a printer's error as it duplicated another insigne on the same page.
Correct identification from Disney Dons Dogtags)
A dangerous assignment that calls for skill and high courage.
Donald is proud to be represented in the insigne.
There's no mistaking the assignment of this group. The insigne tells plainer
than words: "an anitaircraft unit, defending the airfield."
Ready at an instant's notice to deliver a telling blow, this insigne
portrays the constant alertness of the coast Guard.
A centaur carries a message of destruction to the enemy--a fitting
insigne for a bombing squadron, who see to it that such messages
reach their destination.
Donald Duck always wants to be in the thick of things. And that's where
Communications play a mighty important part, so Donald is happy to
be on hand.
of the Navy Seabees
Known as the "Can Do" organization, this bee typifies that spirit--ready
to prove it's possible to construct anything, anywhere, anytime.
Destroyer Squadron 2
"It's a busy life," says Goofy, who enjoys the excitement
of guarding capital ships against submarine attacks.
of guarding capital ships against submarine attacks.
Somewhere in England, this Medium Maintenance Aviation Automotive
Repair Company is on the job, "and being very practical about it, too,"
says the Practical Pig.
3rd Marine Div.
Clever strategy and a ruthless determination to get the situation
well in hand are indicated in this insigne.
81st Infantry Division
The "Wildcat" Division--and the insigne is a symbol of motor
maintenance, weapon maintenance and ordnance bomb.
of the Chief of Ordnance, War Dept.
Doesn't the insigne tell the story? Supplying books on technical
information is a tremendous job, and one of great importance.
The Engineers are on the job to help smooth the road to Victory.
They're ready too, for skirmish with the enemy, as this design shows.
"It's enough to make me dizzy," says Goofy, "tryin' to learn the things
these fellers know. So I'm turrible proud to have 'em use my picture."
Nothing will stop the drive to Victory; Donald wants to be on hand
to carry the fight into enemy territory.
At home in the sky, just as is the Patrol, this sharp-eyed bird shows
that the frontier line is being watched for any sign of trouble.
"War is serious business," says Donald, who is always eager to
do what he can to help in the service of his country.
"The Axis will have cause to remember this insigne with grave concern,"
say the men for whom the design was made.
Look out below! Our paratroops mean business and their training
fits them for the difficulties of the task
The "mighty five" has a mighty important assignment.
The insigne tells what it is--mine sweeping.
A wartime version of a mother hen caring scientifically
for her chicks. And being very efficient about it, too.
Keeping alert is extra important during wartime. This insigne
expresses the idea in humorous, yet forceful, manner.
Protective patrol, rescuing and assisting shipwrecked,
calls for strength, wisdom and courage, qualities represented
by this Saint Bernard.
A changed personality, like many other pleasure craft, now serving
Uncle Sam, armed and ready for combat.
Air Transport Command
Ice and snow, mountains and glaciers, a hazardous land. Donald is
proud to be on the insigne designed for the Alaskan Wing of the Air
Transport Command.
336th Service Group
"Keep 'em flying!" is a real slogan to this squadron, and they know how
much depends on the skill and thoughtfulness of their work.
345th Bomb Gr (M) AAF
"Just a surprise dish for the Axis--and it's not
a plum pudding, either," says Joe Carioca, nonchalantly.
a plum pudding, either," says Joe Carioca, nonchalantly.
Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
A "fish" for the enemy--but what a fish! One that
carries havoc and destruction.
U.S. Atlantic Fleet
Patrol and convoy escorts. Doubtless Pluto feels right at home
in his job as he tries to show what duty is.
A motor transport, with a variety of trucks, cars, etc. to operate