 While in training, Crosby created a daily comic panel, "That Rookie from the Thirteenth Squad", for the McClure Syndicate, writing and drawing it from the front in France while serving as a first lieutenant in the 77th Division, AEF.The comic was collected into his first two books, "That Rookie of the Thirteenth Squad" (1917) and "Between Shots" (1919).While at the Argonne front, Crosby was struck by shrapnel in the eye, suffering no permanent damage, and earned the Purple Heart.