![]() With his comedic-often decidedly racy-antics, Private Snafu was a favorite among the troops. Whether he was misinterpreting orders or acting on an inane hunch, he often ended up harming himself or the Allied cause, just like in this video, where he is the source of viral rumors that spread fear throughout the front lines. ![]() ![]() In fact, his name was a reference to the rather indelicate army acronym SNAFU, which, in its tamer translation, stands for “Situation Normal, All Fouled Up.” The cartoon private had the best of intentions, but he just couldn’t help screwing things up. Born from the minds of the Hollywood-laced film division of the War Department, Private Snafu became a rousing success. troops, but also to guide their behavior in order to preserve their own health and safety as well as that of the cause. But there was one thing that could bring them all together-the antics of a cartoon soldier made just for them.Įnter Private Snafu, an animated series of 27 short films made between 19 meant not only to entertain U.S. The American army was made up of a diverse group of men from different geographical and economic backgrounds some could read, others could not some were dutiful soldiers, others not so inclined to listen to officers drone on about protocol. They needed to find a way to raise the morale of the troops and to educate them about things like the perils of leaking military secrets, how to prevent malaria, and why they should always keep a gas mask at hand.īut it was a tough job. In 1943, while the United States was engaged in World War II, the army brass was pulling out all of the stops to buoy the spirits and skills of their soldiers in the battlefield. History Flashback takes a look at historical “found footage” of all kinds-newsreels, instructional films, even cartoons-to give us a glimpse into how much things have changed, and how much has remained the same.
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