On the Side of Heroes

As the terrifying reality of losses at Pearl Harbor dawned on Americans, the need to find strength in our heroes was acute. While this 8th issue of True Comics, dated January 1942, was probably at the printer before the attack on Pearl Harbor, the content was perfect to calm the fears of a worried nation.

The issue featured a story about the heroism of Free France's forces, and the future leader of post-war France, Charles DeGaulle. His strength in the face of overwhelming Nazi forces was bound to inspire young readers.

A summary of some of the weapons in the arsenal of the Army Air Corp reassured readers about the strength that protected them. The book even reported early successes at sea where American built bombers were being used by British forces to chase Nazi submarines. The sinking of the battleship Bismark is trumpted as a victory, in part, for American technology.

No trace of our modern, post-Columbine fears about children and guns was evident in the Daisy Air Rifle ad that graced the back cover of this issue. Boys who could shoot straight, and understood how to use and take care of a weapon, were an asset in this time of immense danger.