Dick Tracy Says That a Good Soldier Knows Jiu Jitsu

Private William Lengle, a soldier stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, during World War II, filled in the blanks on the front of this Dick Tracy postcard, added a message on the back (see below), and sent it to a friend in Shoemakersville, Pennsylvania. Lengle jokingly claimed that he knew "jo-jo," a nonsensical martial-art name that sounds similar to jiu jitsu, and that he was learning "love."

"Licked again Junior? Why don't you pick up a few pointers in self defense from Pvt. Lengle. A good soldier knows jiu jitsu, and jo-jo--right how he's learning love."

Postmark on the back of the postcard: "Fort Bragg, N.C., Jul 28, 1943."

Message on back: "Dear Ralph, Just a few lines to let you know I am fine. I hope you are too. Ruby [Ralph's nickname?], how are things getting along. I hope fine. I am still here and boy if they don't soon send me out, I'll go crazy. Ruby, we are painting just now and that ain't so bad, so I hope to get shipped out pretty soon. Well I'll say so long because I must go and box tonight so keep 'em flying, Your pal, Bill."