Omar N. Bradley Memorial Art Gallery:Battle Babies

 

The current exhibit in the General Omar N. Bradley Memorial Art Gallery is Battle Babies, and it features the story of the 99th Infantry Division, as told through the eyes and imagination of Private Robert S. "Robbie" Robinson, the artist for the Checkerboard newspaper, the official publication of the 99th Infantry Division. Robert "Robbie" Robinson was born on June 22, 1915 in Curwensville, Pennsylvania. After graduating from high school, he enrolled in the Carnegie Institute of Technology and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1936. He spent the next several years in New York City, before enlisting in the U.S. Army on November 21, 1942. He served in the United States and Europe with the 99th Infantry Division. In addition to his work for the Checkerboard during World War II, he also contributed drawings to Yank Magazine and Stars and Stripes. For his service in World War II, he received the Bronze Star Medal and the Croix de Guerre, and was honorably discharged in September 1946.

In this exhibit, visitors have the opportunity to read about, and laugh at the exploits of Private Van Dorn, as he maneuvers through Army life as the new raw recruit "Dornie." Visitors will see drawings of the 99th in training and in war, also see caricature drawings done by Robbie in his "This is the Enemy" series, as he portrays the Axis enemies as buffoons and cartoons. The exhibit also showcases the history of the 99th Infantry Division, and its actions during World War II.