Bill Mauldin died this past month at the age of 81. To the W.W.II GI ,Mauldin, along with Ernie Pyle, wrote or pictured the everyday frustrations and adventures they went through. It was a far cry from the sterile environment depicted by Hollywood.

I first became aware of Mauldin when I was in Jr. H.S. where I read two of his books: UP FRONT and BACK HOME. I was intrigued by his ability to draw Willie and Joe as dirty, frustrated soldiers, but with dignity and humor. He was not forgotten. During the final year of his life thousands of letters and e-mails came to him , not only from veterans, but from people who had been moved by his drawings and books.

Naturally, any original Mauldin published cartoon is valuable. His books are fairly common and the ones that realize the best prices are those autographed by him. There are other collectibles that can be found by sharp digging. Since he was close to the combat area and the GIs, he personalized letters, military pamphlets and other paper items for them. Look beyond the covers and you may be surprised. These items are unique and will surely rise in value.

"Now that you mention it, Joe, it does sound like the pitter of rain on a tin root."

We are having a very cold winter here in N.E. and look forward to the thaw and getting out and finding stuff.

Good luck.

Good Picking! -Jared