on the double desktop header
on the double

A Collection of 1950s Air Force Cartoons and the Stories Behind Them

Military Life

From what I gather from my father’s cartoons, there’s a lot about military life that consists of routines. Falling in line for inspections seems to be a common theme.

strip-poker - on the double!
shine shoes - on the double!
scarecrow - on the double!

There were also very few ways to stay entertained while on base.

broken TV - on the double!
radio program - on the double!

…not including drinking.

drunk poker - on the double!
act sober - on the double!

Overall, as in any arena of life, there was just a lot of absurdity, although I still don’t get the “crazy airman” cartoon. I think it was a reflection of some type of hipster ethos floating through society at the time.

crazy airman - on the double!
day room - on the double!
cleaning floors - on the double!
at the PX - on the double!
early discharge - on the double!
prison - on the double!
chaplain - on the double!
tattoo parlor - on the double!