PopKulture's photos with the keyword: World War Two

Serviceman's cartoon keepsake of Oahu, Hawaii, showing many of the military and civilian landmarks. 1946.

The first issue of Liberty Laughs - a collection of wartime cartoons.

This eerily prophetic letter was written and sent by my Uncle 'Mugs' from Wheeler Field to the folks back home in Chicago. It is dated November 30, 1941, and carries the following passage: "I'm writing this at the time when we are waiting to see just what Japan is going to do in regards to our ultimatum in the Pacific. By the time this letter reaches you, she will have taken steps one way or the other and history will be made." His speculations were not in error. A week after the letter was sent, Japan attacked US installations on O'ahu on December 7th, 1941 - the famous "date which will live in infamy." Thus echoes the poignant phrase: "and history will be made." As an historical note, Wheeler Army Airfield was the first actual site attacked in the overall assault known more generally as Pearl Harbor. The Japanese had targeted Wheeler to prevent the many aircrafts there from taking off and engaging them in combat.

My mother had three brothers that served in World War II. Pictured above is my Uncle Mugs at Hickam Field, next to a plane which bears the name 'Beth' handwritten just above his head. I don't know what type of plane that is, but I bet some aviation buff will know instantly! Have a safe and festive holiday.

My mother had three brothers that served in World War II. Pictured above is my Uncle Jake in the barracks somewhere on Oahu. I don't know what he did to earn his stripes, and now no one's around to ask. I might just research it someday. Have a safe and festive holiday.

My mother had three brothers that served in World War II. Pictured above is my Uncle Dugan on what I'd guess is a vintage Harley Davidson motorcycle. If anyone can hazard a guess as to the make or model, I'd appreciate your input. Have a safe and festive holiday.

In the weeks and days before that fateful attack on Pearl Harbor, rumors of war mingled with offsetting rumors of peace, while generals and diplomats conspired in marble halls as the spectre of war hovered ominously over an uneasy public. Imagine, if you will, back on the mainland, an average American sipping their morning coffee and checking out the latest exploits of the Man of Steel, unaware that history was already unfolding midway across the ocean that would change the world forever. Even Superman, it appears, muddled through that morn, oblivious to the great, impending danger fomenting in the Pacific. In the aftermath of those events, however, the comics responded swiftly, and with a single-minded fury impossible in today's politically-divided landscape. Theirs was an outburst of patriotism and propaganda like nothing previously unleashed in popular culture. The very same heroes previously concerned with petty criminals and two-bit villains spearheaded a vigorous and gallant charge against the wartime enemies of America - a charge that would unfold equally in the Sunday comics as well as the comic books themselves. Some of those heroes defended the home-front; others worked to sabotage efforts behind enemy lines. Some fought on land, while others toiled at sea. But the greatest among them took to the skies to meet the oppressors head-on, and the effect on morale cannot be understated - after all, with Superman on our side, how could we possibly lose?

Time - December 29, 1941 issue featuring General MacAuthur.

Blackhawk - No. 72, January 1954 issue.

Blackhawk - No. 170, March 1962 issue.

Blackhawk - No. 171, April 1962 issue.

Interior spread of a vintage advertising flyer for Flippy cigarette cases, the military strip-tease novelty case manufactured by Evans Novelty Company of Chicago, Illinois. Circa 1943.

Back cover of a vintage advertising flyer for Flippy cigarette cases, the military strip-tease novelty case manufactured by Evans Novelty Company of Chicago, Illinois. Circa 1943.

Vintage advertising flyer for Flippy cigarette cases, the military strip-tease novelty case manufactured by Evans Novelty Company of Chicago, Illinois. Circa 1943.