Why World War II soldiers were obsessed with Donald Duck

One duck was a war hero. Why?
The book: amzn.to/3z7NXHc
The patch: amzn.to/3zcmrrP
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Lots of other stuff I couldn't fit in the video, but here's one gem - the weirdo characters they designed included a carrot family to help British people eat carrots. This will be the subject of a future 23 hour miniseries.
www.carrotmuseum.co.uk/disneyc...
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[@rowaystarco]

Donald has always been better than Mickey. Donald is imperfect, frequently down on his luck, more of a common duck. But he's also a duck that even while being rather poor has adopted three nephews.

[@leohino9211]

Even though his nephews pull pranks on him constantly

[@randomblacktemplar738]

@@leohino9211 that stop, after he give his nephew to junior woodchuck recruiters to straighten their life Although accident still happen

[@mp4370506]

Also when he screams it’s funny/Cute

[@twanhams2635]

Same with Luigi, there is just more personality to be found in these sort of characters

[@hedgehog3180]

@@leohino9211 Yeah but it's all meant to be in good fun, those stories are after all meant to appeal to kids so it's just about pranking your parents and having fun with your siblings.

[@WhiltiernaAria]

I always loved Donald Duck and thought he was Navy, but it makes more sense to be every branch's morale mascot. He's more serious than Goofy, who share similar traits in his original narrated cartoons. I feel like I should memorize Donald's middle name for a bar trivia question now.

[@Vivacior]

Your thoughts make sense...water animal, etc.. But really... surprised the Marines didn't adopt him... ocean-based soldier who did all his "business" on land. 🦆💪 But... considering how deadly the missions that the USMC undertook...I totally get the skulls, lightning, and dagger-based logos. Great video. Suggestion: The silly story of the Army Air Force getting pushed into banning naked women from their aircraft insignias. (I do admit...the boys on the front lines kept pushing the limit....ha!) Cheers! JerBear Charlotte USA

[@sinisterthoughts2896]

@@Vivacior he's dressed in a Sailor outfit by default, I think thats the biggest tell.

[@aceofspadesguy4913]

Well and the branch Donald was in was always changing. Yeah he’s got the blue sailor outfit but propaganda films tended to have him as an infantryman more often than a sailor.

[@hedgehog3180]

In most canons he's a former navy sailor, but a lot of the time he was also just with the merchant marine.

[@gardenjhr]

wasn’t donald an plane pilot at some point?

[@taqresu5865]

I think it's also worth pointing out Donald's stubborn fighting spirit. He has a temper, but he doesn't back down easy. He's mellowed out in more recent cartoons, but he was a tough character in the early cartoons.

[@hedgehog3180]

I like that in the new Ducktales it's basically canon that Donald is the most powerful fighter in the entire world and it's basically impossible for anything to win against an enraged Donald in a straight up fight.

[@taqresu5865]

@@hedgehog3180 I haven't seen the new DuckTales yet, but that's pretty funny. I do have the old DuckTales game though (I think it's for my SEGA Genesis).

[@taqresu5865]

@One vibing cactus juice boi and his pet, lord momo Or a Popeyes cartoon lol

[@101jir]

I came into this video presuming it would be the primary reason.

[@taqresu5865]

@@101jir Me too.

[@brendanjrice7307]

There’s also the whole addition with Donald Duck suffering from PTSD and other war related problems. He was more relatable to the soldiers who felt that after the war, nobody could understand their experience

[@Achmedsander]

Oddly enough, In Scandinavia (and many other European countries) Donald Duck is far more popular than Mikey mouse.

[@hedgehog3180]

I think every European country has their own version of the weekly Donald Duck magazine and the Jumbo-books.

[@101jir]

Might be overall characterization being more appealing to everyone, but as far as specific attributes, maybe it is related to Scandanavian humility? Mickey always came off as least a little proud.

[@lovelyhomeboy1584]

@@101jir nah donald is way more proud than Mickey

[@101jir]

@@lovelyhomeboy1584 It has been a while, I should rewatch some of it

[@carsonhicks7158]

Kalle anka serietidningar! 🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪

[@rhsking05]

Donald is more of a benevolent character from Disney than most of the others, yet at the same time he has a bit more pizazz and spunk about him that made him more reactive and energetic in his responses than most of the other characters. His energy was that of the average soldier from that era. He is representative of the average person, full of flaws, but when the time comes he is a heartfelt hero who just wants to do good. That was the American soldier of WWII.

[@michaelfresson4834]

Stumbled upon Donald Duck ‘in the Fuhrer’s Face’ a while back and had many questions, but nothing answered them so succinctly as you did, while also explaining the whole badge/mascot thing too!

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

It's a pretty insane cartoon. I kinda sidestepped the crazy introduction to it - which was a huge hit song (and, as you know, featured some images I wouldn't wanna rebroadcast on my KZbin channel).

[@hedgehog3180]

I mean it's pretty obviously just meant to mock the Nazis.

[@vickiemcinnis5976]

I enjoyed your video about Donald Duck. My Father-in-law was stationed in California during the war. During a USO show, he was picked to go on stage to meet Walt Disney. He asked Walt Disney to draw a picture of Donald Duck after a 25 mile hike. We still have it. Unfortunately, Walt Disney did not sign it, but that’s ok. It is still a treasure.

[@Jessesdead]

Should also note that since his inception, Donald has been a "sailor." It's not a big leap to imagine him pursuing a role in the Navy, which could've helped humanize and endear him to soldiers.

[@Bacopa68]

You gotta watch the cartoon about Donald filing his taxes under the new tax laws. Donald has absolute murderous fantasies. This film led to the British developing the Disney Bomb, a rocket assisted bomb to penetrate submarine shelters.

[@xXTomokoKurokiXx]

I imagine Donald's unique personality is what lead to the whole "Disney Ducks" 'verse across the pond - he's far closer to the "hero's journey" archetype than Mickey is. He's beloved because of how good he can be in spite of his flaws. I honestly love all three of the "Disney Protagonists", as it were, though. Mickey, Donald, and Goofy all have great personalities that play off of each other perfectly and in their own stories.

[@hedgehog3180]

You're right on, Donald was embraced by the early writers because they saw him as a working class characters and that's what lead to the creation of the Duckverse.

[@KennethMoreland]

No he's not closer to the achetype than Mickey.

[@KrissFliss]

Some italians even made him a super hero!

[@zumabbar]

i also indeed do love these three kingdom hearts characters

[@johnaugustinejoseph4206]

I must say this is just weirdly awesome and I love the last line 'He had to rise to the occasion'. It seems like that our ancestors weren't further away from us at all.

[@wordforger]

Nope. One thing I've learned from history is that humans are human, whatever the time they lived in. They had the same flaws then that people exhibit today. No 'perfect human' has ever existed, and we do ourselves and our ancestors a grave disservice to canonize or villainize historical people to the point of forgetting this common humanity. Recognizing the humanity of heroes past makes it easier to recognize the potential heroism in the ordinary people today. The only difference between an 'ordinary person' and a hero is extraordinary circumstances and the will to say "Not here" and "I'll help."

[@dguy0386]

@@wordforger the only perfect person who's ever existed is Jesus

[@JRufu]

@@dguy0386 right....

[@nerkyder]

Who's got the sweetest disposition? One Guess, guess who! Who never never starts an argument? Who never shows a bit of temperament? Who's never wrong but always right? Who'd never dream of starting a fight? Who gets stuck with all the bad luck? No one, but Donald Duck.

[@Jon420g]

Yeah!!

[@chuardo3557]

In my eyes Donald has a lot of temperament dude lol he's known for that

[@chiguireespacialespecial]

At least there is along board!

[@MadsPrintz]

@@chuardo3557 Yes, that is the joke.

[@FloatingSunfish]

I always preferred Donald over Mickey because Donald was flawed and prone to human errors, like losing his temper. Mickey felt too nice to be real.

[@FlufyfilmzStudi0z777]

honestly, i still like Donald more. Goofy comes second, but Donald will always be first.

[@SparkleJohn2000]

It makes a lot more sense now how my Grandpa did an amazing Donald Duck impression.

[@sfjuhispst8144]

Donald Duck is one the greatest cartoon/( and almost more importantly) comic charachters ever created. He is relatable on a completely different level. Luck is never on his side, and he often is swallowed by his hubris. He can both garner pity and get what he deserves.

[@mateorios1636]

Also, he is more serious than goofy, more relatable than mickey and one thing: *HE SERVES ON THE NAVY!*

[@erikbojay9925]

As a Specialist myself in the Army, I felt this very inspirational and very heartfelt. Thank you for this bit of gold. God Bless.

[@thelittlestgiant]

Donald is and always has been the best of the core Mickey characters, and I think that’s mostly because he feels relatable and real. Mickey, Goofy, and Minnie are all so perfect in their sheer happiness wholesomeness and selflessness. Donald is a tired grumpy dude who has serious anger issues and will wreck up his entire house in a fit of rage just to blow off steam.. But he ultimately still loves and cares for his friends. He’s more comical, cynical, and more realistic. He’s less of what you’d expect from a family friendly cartoon character. Donald will always be my favorite of the Mickey characters.

[@Dalton_Boardman2000]

He's definitely my favorite of the OG Disney mascots. A two time veteran who raised his nephews practically by himself is definitely deserving of my respect.

[@The_Sofa_King]

I mean, who wouldn’t be interested in Donald? His voice is like music to my ears!

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

I really missed an opportunity to do an impression.

[@leohino9211]

Is it weird that I'm one of the few people who can understand Donald?

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

@@leohino9211 Is it weird that I'm kinda jealous?

[@leohino9211]

@@PhilEdwardsInc Please don't be jealous. It's not that hard to understand Donald.

[@jfridy]

Minor point. The picture at 6:11 isn't Donald Duck. It's Panchito Pistoles, a friend of Donald's from Mexico, from the 1944 Disney film The Three Caballeros, where he starred with Donald Duck and Brazilian Parrot José Carioca . Apparently it's a picture from Luzon, in the Philippines. The man is apparently of an American paratrooper who has been discharged and was now helping form the Mexican 201 Fighter Squadron. It was the only Mexican combat unit to fight overseas. Their pilots trained in the United States and by 1945 they were ready to fight in the Pacific. It was the first time that Mexican armed forces were deliberately prepared for overseas combat. The 201st Air Fighter Squadron, nicknamed the “Aztec Eagles,” was attached to the 58th fighter group of the United States Air Force and sent to the Philippines in March of 1945. The Squadron consisted of 300 men, 30 of whom were pilots for the 25 P-47 aircraft that comprised the unit. The squad saw a fair amount of action in the waning months of the war, mostly flying ground support for infantry operations. By all accounts, they fought bravely and flew skillfully, seamlessly integrating with the 58th. They only lost one pilot and aircraft in combat. Other fun bit, Panchito is painted on the tail of a Japanese bomber.

[@stischer47]

My sister-in-law's father, Héctor Espinoza Galván, was one of FIVE Mexican pilots from the Aztec Eagles killed in operations over the Philippines

[@Iamnottheplatypus]

Wow!

[@SophiaAstatine]

I was raised on a love for the duck too, but not so much because of any wartime involvement. Donald Duck, or Anders And as we know him, has his own dedicated comic magazine over here, and has had so for multiple decades. He really just is the best duck.

[@darthmaltodextrin1899]

Duck Comics are the best! Sadly, it doesn't look like anyone's publishing them in the USA right now.

[@hedgehog3180]

It's actually insane how big the Egmont comics are, they produce way more cartoon content than Disney ever has and a ton of Duckverse lore only exists because of them.

[@juliustime7809]

what contry are you in

[@Grandmaster-Kush]

Same here in neighbour country with "Kalle Anka", he was and still is the most popular kids comic

[@max-de-boer]

Same thing in the Netherlands! (where he is just called Donald Duck)

[@GlennDavey]

Just watch Donald try to do anything and you see he's the struggle of life in all of us. The Picnic one is my all-time favourite.

[@SolomonMars]

They had a Disney WW2 special exhibit at the Disney museum in San Francisco. They had a lot of the original art for those patches on display. It was pretty cool.

[@tikkelbikkel]

Where I live, in Holland, I'd say Donald is definitely more popular than Mickey by a large margin. When I was young, Mickey fell more into the background while Donald was everywhere all the time. It's likely because there's this Donald Duck weekly comic/magazine that everyone and their mom seems to be subscribed to and every kid from every generation has been into since 1952. But that in combination with these strong connections to historically significant times surely also plays a role of some sort. Maybe that's what gave the weekly comic such a succesful 70 years of existence (and still going crazy strong).

[@SeiyaBK]

I usually don't comment on videos but I wanted to say that I started watching Vox because of your videos which were things about history that are weird and interesting, glad to find out you had your own personal channel (which is super underrated). Keep creating amazing content, Phil! We all appreciate it and have your back!

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

Thanks a lot, that’s really nice.

[@LastBastion]

Ah, no wonder he looks familiar

[@Hillers62]

When I was stationed with the 36th Intelligence Squadron, we had a patch with a couple of cartoon looking characters...I found out it was designed by Disney studios in the 40's...I later learned that Disney designed many squadron patches as a part of the war effort for esprit de corps...

[@TheMasterM98]

Different times, different place. Few years ago, the italian weekly comics magazine "Topolino" (Topolino = Mickey Mouse) did a survey in occasion of the 3000th number of the magazine. The question was about the favourite disney character: 1th place, Donald Duck 2nd place Scrooge Mc Duck 3rd place Mickey Mouse The reasons why Donald annihilated all the others are the same expressed in the video. Donald is one of us, a poor unlucky Duck who try his best everyday (and get angry in the meanwhile 🤣) and love his relatives and friends.

[@NotAFanOfHandles]

My top three are Donald Duck, Scrooge McDuck, then Goofy. If I get to include other cartoon characters, like Darkwing Duck and Launchpad McQuack, Mickey doesn't even make my top 10. 😄

[@haesuslipbalm]

I've always loved animated ducks. I knew of the propaganda films but not the patches. If you ever want to check out old comics, the old scrooge and Donald/scrooge comics may have helped bring along the experience for those that didnt get to see many films.

[@erickemiliogazconarevalo3989]

I want to make a correction to 6:12 because that character is Pancho Pistolas from the movie Saludos Amigos and The Three Caballeros, and it was actually the official mascot of the mexican 201 Squadron who fought against the Japanese air force in WWII. The drawing You see in the picture was actually Made by the mexican pilots on the wing of a Japanese plane they took down.

[@ThatOneGuy0006]

That's rad.

[@TheMphc]

Your channel is a true gem. Such high quality content getting so few views is nearly criminal - I am positive you will grow into a much larger channel in time. Great stuff Phil, keep them coming!

[@devenscience8894]

When the Seabees were created in 1942, Disney drew a version or two of the bee mascot. One version in particular, marching toward the viewer, is specifically known as the "Disney Bee."

[@suzylu333]

loved this one!!! great mix of interpretation and "fact", with sharing your thoughts at the end. keep it up!

[@Clarkky25]

I love the way you can tell a story so well that it just pulls the viewer in.... Keep up the good work!

[@alexoblivion9295]

In the old comics, Donald also goes to Vietnam. So we see Donald have his tantrums and fits of rage, but. No one ever addresses that Donald is a war veteran with ptsd.

[@dsigmon09]

I’m not sure why your channel showed up in my feed today, but I am so glad it did!

[@LueRoux]

Another very interesting video, Phil! Really good analysis on why Donald was so popular, I would have never thought about it that way. Keep up the great work! 😄

[@tonypollard5197]

Phil, your videos are always fantastic. Really enjoyed this one especially!

[@AntonWongVideo]

excellent breakdown Phil! Pacing and storytelling on point, as always

[@zaidkidwai7831]

Fantastic video. Love all the effort that goes into them

[@lukeschock9338]

This is the second video of yours I’ve watched and it’s about something that’s always interested me!

[@musicalqueen716]

This was fascinating, well researched, well edited.

[@jimmyalpert5233]

Your channels one of my favorites. Keep doing your thing

[@zkittlezthabanditt604]

I just watched your Pentagon video. You've taken great lessons from the best, and I am confident your channel will grow pretty big

[@jean-francoislord2917]

Love the content and the amount of research that you are putting into these videos. Thanks!

[@nicc_kinky]

Man, you have such a profound way of putting things that are so simple at the surface. I appreciate that 😌. Please keep talking to us :)

[@lottie3386]

Had no idea quite what to expect but - as always - this was a fascinating, enlightening and amusing watch.

[@erasmusred]

Love your videos Phil, always discover something new with you

[@EmaleyVirchow]

Dude, these videos are great. I just found your channel through a recommendation on KZbin about the NASA worm logo and I'm hooked & subscribed. These are bite sized videos that can be squeezed in during quiet periods at work that leave you wanting more to the story, more dialogue, more content, and spur you as the viewer to look further into things on your own. Being a history/science/education buff, I am here for it. Great content. Make one hour versions if the desire strikes XD

[@Levomatic]

really enjoyed this one Phil. thanks!

[@knoahbody69]

I had a DI. He was tough, a Boston Southie, He was maybe 5'7" but everyone was afraid of him. Sometimes he would yell at us, and I would think of Donald Duck.

[@jasonfoil9888]

You've come out of nowhere in my recommended, and I love it. Please more, you have my subscription ❤️

[@alexg5280]

I've recommended you and Johnny Harris channel to everyone I know in Muskoka Ontario; it's had great reception. The videos are conversation starters when I see certain people. Loving the content, I bet you're at a million subscribers in no time.

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

That’s awesome, thanks!

[@eatmoremusic3650]

Phil thank you for taking the time to make this great content. In this saturated market you stand out, and I wish you all the best

[@Quivex1]

Been watching Vox for years, but I was lucky enough for the almighty YT algorithm to recommend me one of your videos on your personal channel. I've binged them all since, fantastic content!! Subscribed, and it looks like you're on your way to (much deserved) success. :)

[@ThePsychoticCircusofSavannah]

This is my first time finding your channel. Awesome little doc.

[@Lasagnaisprettycool]

What an excellent video, very interesting and beautifully crafted.

[@TheJan]

got you recommended, homie. amazing video! outright amazing. pacing is perfect too, i skipped like 10 seconds and felt like i missed out. good good good

[@franciscoalmeida6098]

The production quality on your vídeos is so high, i became a fan instantly!

[@tscarb]

Thank you for this. In my childhood I spent more time with my grandparents who fought in World War II. I am uniquely connected to them in many ways and things like this have always brought me joy.

[@user-wz3vu7jh8r]

Thanks for the vid, Phil! And happy new year)

[@wewasean]

This channel is quickly becoming a must view for me!!

[@LysLovesAlpacas]

so sweet ❤️‍🩹 heartbreaking to think of all those young kids & adults fighting but it makes me happy that they at least were able to find some comfort and relate to donald duck 🥺

[@jamescooper6873]

This has to be a channel with a very bright future indeed. The content and its delivery is punching way above it’s weight. Greatness awaits this channel

[@youtup69420]

Great content @Phil Edwards! Keep it up!

[@willreed219]

Loved the video! I can't help but think of Donald's more nuanced appearance in the 2017 reboot of Ducktales, he's a really fleshed-out character there especially in relation to his nephews.

[@klubstompers]

People chose him over other characters, because he wore a sailors outfit, and was a duck. He wore this outfit, before he was in any propaganda films, and before we entered the war. It was a common outfit of well to do children in the late 20's and early 30's, and why he wore the outfit.

[@andrewmcbride598]

Absolutely love this content!

[@foglebr]

The thumbnail where you’re holding the infocus patch in front of your out of focus face is what drew my eye on the homepage. Nice video, you’ve got yourself a new subscriber!

[@LaLaLEGO]

Fantastic analysis as always!

[@gianfrancosalihramaglia7066]

What a great video, I'm a patch/insignia junky myself and didn't know that Donald Duck patches were a thing. Loving the new videos!

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

The second I started learning about these I became very tempted to go patch crazy. Denim jacket full of em, etc…

[@jontompkins1844]

I really appreciate your videos.

[@danlscan]

I was thinking about what qualities Donald had that made him appealing to so many during the war and you nailed it just as I was on the cusp of articulating them. Nice!

[@gutobernardo7457]

Great work, Phil!

[@murk.mp4760]

love these man. Glad I'm subscribed!

[@Quaketornado]

Great content, that was heartwarming

[@cookido23]

These videos are amazing!

[@Jeffrey-gu7jp]

These videos are super interesting keep it up!

[@ashtonh991]

Man you really are the most highly engaging and entertaining person. You have just the highest production quality on KZbin. Each video is just encapsulating.

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

That’s awful nice - thanks!

[@Geeksmithing]

This is great man! Please make more like this! Def subbed!

[@seagie382]

I've seen that riveting video!!! They just pop up randomly in my reccomendeds!

[@trickydud]

Thank you for this awesome video

[@Lanwarder]

It was actually touching somehow. Thanks for the video! Great job really

[@YerSiNia14]

Your videos is addictive, i've binge watched 3 of em now >< thanks for the nice content, brb :3

[@TheMexicoBear]

Pretty much in a similar way when the Mexican Air Force back in WW2 used Pancho Pistolas as their mascot. It was frequently used and made popular by the airmen.

[@mauqaparast]

I loved this video, very informative 👏 thanks and keep up the good work ❤️

[@katiepollard794]

Great content, as always

[@ffwast]

There's also the elephants in the room that ducks are just more endearing than mice and he walks around with no pants on all the time.

[@cerebrumexcrement]

why donald? because he can walk, swim, and fly. it represents the u.s. army, u.s. navy, and u.s. air force.

[@Full_Otto_Bismarck]

During WW2 it wouldve been called the US Army Air Force or Army Air Corps, but yeah, that makes a lot of sense. Air Force didnt become a seperate branch until 1947, National Security Act if I remember correctly.

[@rianburleigh4678]

Awesome topic. I love your videos.

[@Dann1403]

I had always wondered. Great story telling. Thanks. Subscribed!!

[@grayhawk]

Learn alot of ur short videos. Thnx!

[@__grant]

I love your style of videos

[@jdstreeter]

Great job as usual.

[@EvanMoon]

Really cool video keep them coming

[@NationalDevin]

I never thought much about how I'd distinct myself in the childhood fantasies of being a romanticized American soldier, but I know for a fact that I woulda been a corpse with a DD patch.

[@Dusty007]

I like your cut G Keep up the good work. This video was beautiful

[@aightbet164]

This is awesome content, although you are a small channel I can tell your channel will eventually go viral. Just gotta keep making awesome videos and eventually once you make the right video at the right time your channel will hopefully be very popular. I really enjoyed this vid, keep working hard

[@glyph2011]

Absolutely fascinating. Thanks for making this. 👍

[@RickJames1983]

Phil out here just driving up pictures of donald duck patches NFTs.

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

What am I supposed to do? I put my life savings into an NFT of Donald Duck with a bayonet.

[@RickJames1983]

@@PhilEdwardsInc lmao. keep up the good work homie. I love your content.

[@CloudNey]

Such a great video. You just got a new sub.