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Sunday, June 21, 2020


This grainy World War II photo shows some GIs letting it all hang out on what was likely an old invasion beach.  Those fenceposts were probably used for barbed wire to impede landings.  
Apparently it didn't work, unless this was here in Hawaii where the invasion never came.

3 comments:

  1. In my opinion, these GI's had plenty to hang out.

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  2. I noticed the same thing. Though the quality of this photo leaves a lot to be desired, these guys seem very proud to display their penises. Some of which look like they're on their way to a full erection! While I'm not stating that these guys are homosexual, because lots of straight men can be proud of their "members" while amongst themselves, there was a lot of homosexual activity going on in the Second World War, much of it documented. Officially, engaging in such activity could get you dishonorably discharged and even jailed, particularly in boot camp. Once overseas, such activity was tolerated a little more, only because every soldier was needed, and because everyone was behaving in ways that they never would have back home during peace time. But when I read novels written about that war that were published within 10 years of its end, I'm amazed at how candid some of them are, and at how the knowledge of homosexuality was so widespread amongst the rank and file. In James Jones's " From Here to Eternity" it's discussed casually between the enlisted men as a reference to other guys " proclivities". In Gore Vidal's "The City and the Pillar" there is an openly gay hero who spends time in the military and recounts his experiences, and in John Horne Burns's " The Gallery" there's a whole chapter on a gay bar in Naples during the American occupation of that city. Indeed, it was the Second World War and it's huge and unprecedented mix of men from varied backgrounds, that set the stage for the nascent gay liberation movement that began in the 50's. ( Sorry for going on so long, as perhaps this isn't the venue to do so, but this photo really started me thinking!)

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    Replies
    1. Don't apologize. It's an important subject and I appreciate intelligent (and sourced!) discussion. Thank you.

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