Disney artist at war

Before the United States entered World War II Richard “Dick” Kelsey worked for Walt Disney, having been an art director for Bambi, Fantasia, Dumbo, and Pinocchio animated films. Here he is as a Marine captain (far left), creator of the relief map MacArthur studies prior to the Cape Gloucester operation. Among Kelsey’s many other credits, he later helped write Alice in Wonderland and was even part of the Disneyland design team.

Second from the right is Col. Amor L. Sims, who was the 1st Marine Division’s Chief of Staff and helped plan the Cape Gloucester operation. Sims enlisted during World War I, earning a Silver Star for valor during the Battle of Belleau Wood and a battlefield promotion. He commanded the 7th Marines during Guadalcanal — dubbed “the fightingest outfit in the world.”