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Alfred J. Walker, Artist—Part 2: The War Years
Introduction by Michael T. Gilbert In Part 1 of Al Walker’s biography, last issue, Stephen Walker took us back to March 1938, when his Uncle Al started working at Disney Studios in California. Homesick and concerned over his mother’s failing health, Al soon returned to the East Coast, where, in December 1940, he began drawing comics for Fiction House. Part 2 of Stephen’s tale begins shortly before that event.
Alfred J. Walker, Artist By Stephen V. Walker
Part 2: The War Years Alfred Walker’s cartoon legacy flourished not only in the pages of his employer’s comic books, but also in the hearts of the local community. He liked drawing Mickey Mouse on his pals’ yellow “slickers,” and his cartoon-covered automobile caused quite a stir in Oyster Bay. Many homes, as well as public gathering places, had original Al Walker cartoons on their walls, from the Trio Bar on South Street to the SeawanhakaCorinthian Yacht Club on Center Island. Both Oyster Bay fire companies invited Al to their yearly clambake in appreciation for the innumerable plaques and programs he drew for them. He also provided clever program covers and elaborate sets for plays and dances at St. Dominic’s Church and the Matinecock Lodge of Masons. In January 1943, Alfred Walker entered the United States Army and trained as an MP [Military Policeman] in the First Rifle Squad of the 803rd M.P. Battalion (Third Platoon) at Camp Swift, Texas. In addition to his rigorous MP training, he designed his battalion’s insignia. Shipped overseas from New York Harbor on August 21, he was denied a promised furlough at the last minute. As a result, he missed his last chance to see both of his parents before he left.
Wrapping Up The Story In this splash panel from Wings Comics #86 (Oct. 1947), Al cleverly emphasizes the story’s Egyptian theme with mummy-lettering and a flying sarcophagus! [©2008 the respective copyright holders.]
Al arrived at Oran, in North Africa, on September 2. Later he departed from Biserte, Tunisia, landing as part of the invasion of Naples on October 8. Two months later, his skills in art got him transferred to the Psychological Warfare Branch of the US Fifth Army, within the auspices of the 1st Mobile Radio Broadcasting Company. He immediately began working for the Allied propaganda effort, creating art for newspapers and magazines, as well as leaflets that were dropped on the enemy. His first editorial war cartoon, entitled “Incontri al Brennero,” was published in an Italian newspaper on New Year’s Day 1944.
On, Comet! A young Al Walker, most likely in the early 1930s. “Al Walker had a penchant for drawing on automobiles,” says nephew Steven. “Various old-timers have told us that Al painted comic book characters on his car when he was young.” Guess he hadn’t gotten around to painting this Comet station wagon yet, Steve!
Al also designed insignia, including the American Red Cross Clubmobile and the “Rainmakers” Propaganda Unit of the PWB. In fact, he actually drew art for the military before he even entered the Army. In the fall of 1941, US Air Corpsmen approached him while he was working at Fiction House, and asked him to draw an insignia depicting his feisty penguin Slug (from “Norge Benson” in Planet Comics) as the symbol of their 66th Pursuit Squadron. Al happily complied.