Judge, 1919-09-27 · page 7 of 36
Judge — September 27, 1919 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# "A Corporal" - Judge Magazine Satire This page satirizes the U.S. Army corporal rank, written by a former corporal from the American Expeditionary Forces (WWI era). The humor targets the corporal's impossible position: responsible for squad discipline and logistics yet blamed for everything—whether the squad misbehaves or performs well. Key absurdities highlighted: the corporal stretches meager rations (one jam can across seven men's three meals), distributes chewing tobacco by measured bites, and absorbs blame from all directions. He's simultaneously mother, father, nurse, and scapegoat. Ironically, while essential to squad function, he receives no real authority—a buck private can outrank him in reality. The accompanying cartoons illustrate the chaos: one shows domestic disruption; another depicts a run-down pedestrian—visual gags about collateral damage from military hierarchy. The satire reflects post-WWI soldier frustration with rank absurdities and the corporal's thankless middle-management position.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
A Corporal By Lr. F. A. Mauren, Ex-Cpl., 4. E. F. RONOUNCED Corprul—‘u” long or P short according to section of country. A Second Lieutenant in the realm of non-coms. Always referred to as squad leader. In Army wears two-striped chevron on right arm; in Marine Corps on both | arms. Without chevron is known as “Ac | | ] ing Jac Chevron entitles him to all non- com privileges, including title. Also admits him to non-coms’ school—usually held when he has an engagement. Luck brought him the job and left him to it. Squad uses him for mother, father, doctor, nurse, teacher, and goat. He will trade squad to John Bull for Ireland any day. Without him squad would be Bolshe- viki.. When squad is dissatisfied Corporal is blamed. When somebody else is dissatisfied with squad Corporal is blamed. He is damned both ways. Reports squad present and accounted for at all formations. “Then turns around to see if everyone’s there. Distributes rations to squad when travel- ing. Makes one can of jam do seven men three meals. Gets what's left. Gets supplies for squad but impossible to get their money. Drawn by K. K. Prue In France made two plugs of tobacco last Witio Aw, Ma, where's Sour cease’ henson? seven men one week. Squad got share chew { at a time. Corporal measured off their bites. Squad is blameless no matter how he juggles it. Corporal is liked to chew at night when Corporal slept. responsible. If Buck Private has dirty rifle Officer Takes squad out on detail and does all work showing takes Corporal’s name. “stupid”? men what he means. Corporal sleeps with squad, eats with squad, and Always gets buck. Buck Private, who gets it next, drinks with squad. Sometimes squad drinks with him, to him, and on him. Sometimes {s made Sergeant. More frequently Buck Private again. Either always welcome. Qccasion- ally is made Second Lieutenant, and | finds he has old job back again. | He posts relief and relieves posts until new relief comes on. Sentry passes buck to him when on guard duty. Next to Second Lieutenant is first to receive bullet wave in field and heat wave in orderly room. If Captains didn’t have Corporals, Sec- ond Lieutenants would have the job. Corporal is as essential to squad as its number. Greets all changes, for they can’t be anything but im- provements. Will make excellent civilian. Down by the Sea “You charge too much admission to = - Fit’ ‘his pier.” - = og “But the music, the ocean——” “The music part is all well enough, but I’m paying my hotel man for the use of the ocean.” Drawn by Pact. Reniy Pedestrian (who has been thoroughly run-down)—Confound you! What do you think this is—the movies? 7 icomicbooks-com