Yank, the Army Weekly was a weekly magazine published by the United States military during World War II. Founded and edited by Major Hartzell Spence (1908-2001), the magazine was written by enlisted rank soldiers only and was made available to the soldiers, sailors, and airmen serving overseas. It was published at facilities around the world—British, Mediterranean, Continental, and Western Pacific—for a total of 21 editions in 17 countries. Yank was the most widely read magazine in the history of the U.S. military, achieving a worldwide circulation of more than 2.6 million. Each issue was priced from five cents to 10 cents because it was felt that if soldiers paid, they would have a higher regard for the publication. Each issue was edited in New York City and then shipped for printing around the world where staff editors added local stories. The last issue was published in December 1945. Scott Corbett (later known as a writer of novels for children) served as the last editor.
Sketch artists such as Robert Greenhalgh and Howard Brodie worked on the magazine which also featured the "G.I. Joe" cartoons by Dave Breger and the Sad Sack cartoons by Sgt. George Baker. Noted artist and author Jack Coggins spent over two years with Yank, first in New York, then in London; during his time with Yank he produced illustrations and articles featured in more than 24 issues.
Although often quoted that Marilyn Monroe made her first appearance on or in Yank Magazine, she did not. A former quote as to an August 2, 1945 issue that contained an article with her in it does not exist. This can be verified at the online Yank Magazine archives. The pictured photo that was taken of Norma Jean Dougherty was not included in the USA edition December 22, 1944 "Women in Industry" article.
One of the most popular "morale boosters" for the men in the armed forces was the inclusion of a pin-up girl in each issue who was usually clad either in a bathing suit or some form of seductive attire. Historians have theorized that it was this feature, and not the magazine's association with the military, that lead publishers to name the magazine Yank. Many of the pin-up girls featured were the biggest stars of stage and screen of the day.
Celebrities
Field contributors to Yank included:
External links
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