Kilroy Was Here: The Best American Humor from World War II

by Charles Osgood

War is hell, but it can also be hilarious. Now, inspired by a ubiquitous piece of graffiti that servicemen left behind during World War II, Emmy Award-winning television journalist Charles Osgood has collected an assortment of classic stories and comic tales that celebrate the good humour that buoyed spirits throughout the world.

Genres: Humor, Nonfiction, World War II, History, Military History, Anthologies, War

188 pages, Hardcover

First published May 23, 2001

About the author

Charles Osgood (born Charles Osgood Wood, III on January 8, 1933) is a radio and television commentator in the United States. His daily program, The Osgood File, has been broadcast on the CBS Radio Network since 1971. Osgood hosts CBS News Sunday Morning. He is also known for being the voice of the narrator of Horton Hears a Who!, an animated film released in 2008, based on the book of the same name by Dr. Seuss.

Source: Wikipedia.

Reviews

[Becky Mitchell]

One of the main reasons I read this book was because of my father. He was called to serve his country in WWII. Charles Osgood has put together various stories, magazine articles, newspaper articles told or written during the World War II era. Some of the jokes were really funny, and the stories were as well. But I have to be honest - it was hard for me to finish this book once I started it. One thing I think I will take away from it is the ability of the fighting men to find some kind of sense of humor through the very dark days of war.

[KennyO]

I enjoyed it very much but that just may be because I am inclined to enjoy nearly everything Osgood gave us. The humor in this book is wholly “of its time”. In other words, present day readers may find its humor droll or maybe obscure. Certainly our language has moved on from its WWII era expression.

If you tend to judge writing by current standards, skip this one. If you can place yourself as a contemporary of these writers you’re likely to enjoy it.

[Kevin Keating]

Basically a rehash of humor from WW2 soldier magazines. It's really funny a lot of the time. Several different styles of humor and most of it written from regular grunts. At least a few tgimes you'll laugh out loud.

[Liz C.]

Funny collection of WWII humor

[Scott]

Soldiers' art humor.

[Charles]

Looking back, I'm not sure I should have expected a more coherent narrative, but it is mainly a collection of short jokes and anecdotes, with a few bits of context thrown in. Interesting content, though - it might get me to read a bit more about WWII.

[Otilia]

These stories are hilarious. If you need a quick pick me up a day, read this, or read a story a day.

[Sarah R]

This little book was quite amusing and showed me the military really hasn't changed all that much. Love the American ability to get humor out of even the worst of circumstances.

[Annabelle]

Only the last story's funny--Noah's Ark goes to Hell.

[Rahool Gadkari]

Horrible book. Did not find it humorous as it's supposed to be. The stories are dull and I had to labour through it.