Mauldin created award-winning Army , '' about `` Willie & Joe grunts , in World War II . When he talks about the book , DePastino says , he gets his most emotional responses from veterans and their families . Mauldin was young soldier like those he drew during war ; they related . Bill Mauldin had long career , yet many only know him through `` Peanuts '' mentions .
Mauldin created award-winning Army , '' about `` Willie & Joe grunts , in World War II . Mauldin was young soldier like those he drew during war ; they related . Bill Mauldin had long career , yet many only know him through `` Peanuts '' mentions .