Life — January 15, 1920 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Rewards of Service" This satirical cartoon critiques the U.S. military's decoration and promotion system following World War I. Three caricatured military officers—likely representing different branches or ranks—are depicted in exaggerated poses, seemingly celebrating or posturing. The accompanying article discusses Admiral Sims's complaint that Secretary Daniels denied him a decoration. The text criticizes the inconsistent rewarding of war service: officers who worked abroad received fewer honors than those who remained home, while some decorated soldiers received recognition for minor contributions. The satire suggests the military's honors system is arbitrary and unfair, rewarding connections or luck rather than actual merit or sacrifice. The cartoon visually reinforces this critique through the officers' theatrical, somewhat undignified poses.