U.S. Marines
Half sheet This iconic 1917 World War I recruiting poster introduced one of the most famous nicknames for the
U.S. Marines: the "Devil Dog".
Historical Origin and Legend
The term "Teufel Hunden" (properly Teufelshunde) allegedly originated during the Battle of Belleau Wood in June 1918. According to Marine Corps lore, German soldiers were so struck by the ferocity and tenacity of the attacking Marines that they called them "hell hounds" or "dogs from hell".
However, historical evidence suggests the nickname may be a piece of effective wartime propaganda:
Grammar Issues: "Teufel Hunden" is grammatically incorrect in German; a native speaker would more likely use the single word Teufelshunde or Höllenhunde.
Timeline: Reports of the "Teufel Hunden" nickname appeared in American newspapers as early as April 14, 1918, six weeks before the Battle of Belleau Wood actually began.
The Artwork
The poster was designed by renowned American illustrator Charles Buckles Falls (C.B. Falls) around 1917–1918. It features a humorous and symbolic scene:
The Bulldog: Represents the U.S. Marine, wearing a standard "doughboy" helmet. This poster is credited with popularizing the bulldog as the official mascot of the Marine Corps.
The Dachshund: Represents Germany, wearing a traditional spiked Pickelhaube helmet.
The Artist's Mark: Falls signed the work with a block-printed "H" (visible in the lower right), though he typically used a blocked "F".
U.S. Marines: the "Devil Dog".
Historical Origin and Legend
The term "Teufel Hunden" (properly Teufelshunde) allegedly originated during the Battle of Belleau Wood in June 1918. According to Marine Corps lore, German soldiers were so struck by the ferocity and tenacity of the attacking Marines that they called them "hell hounds" or "dogs from hell".
However, historical evidence suggests the nickname may be a piece of effective wartime propaganda:
Grammar Issues: "Teufel Hunden" is grammatically incorrect in German; a native speaker would more likely use the single word Teufelshunde or Höllenhunde.
Timeline: Reports of the "Teufel Hunden" nickname appeared in American newspapers as early as April 14, 1918, six weeks before the Battle of Belleau Wood actually began.
The Artwork
The poster was designed by renowned American illustrator Charles Buckles Falls (C.B. Falls) around 1917–1918. It features a humorous and symbolic scene:
The Bulldog: Represents the U.S. Marine, wearing a standard "doughboy" helmet. This poster is credited with popularizing the bulldog as the official mascot of the Marine Corps.
The Dachshund: Represents Germany, wearing a traditional spiked Pickelhaube helmet.
The Artist's Mark: Falls signed the work with a block-printed "H" (visible in the lower right), though he typically used a blocked "F".
After
Mounted
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