There are actually two biographies penned by Bill Mauldin: "The Brass Ring" and another whose name I cannot recall.
I've read both.
The second book is on the shelf in my remote cabin in British Columbia, Canada. I'm driving up there this July; I re-read it every time I go up there. It deals mostly with his childhood in New Mexico, living in the desert during The Depression while his parents eked out a living.
Mauldin was a wonderful cartoonist; he later became a political cartoonist in Chicago.
His post-war book, "Back Home" examines the readjustment of Willy and Joe, his famous soldiers, as they become civilians again.
I grew up reading Up Front, a gift from my father. A friend and I still quote some of his cartoons.
My favorite is two GIs behind the smoking barrel of a .30-caliber machine gun. One says, "I coulda sworn a couple of Krauts was using that cow for cover. Joe, go wake up the cook!"
Mauldin explained in his book that more than a few GIs augmented their C-rations with a pilfered chicken or steaks from a cow.
He died a few years ago, sadly wasted by Alzheimers.
Imagine the reception he received from all those soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines when he crossed over. He deserved it.
