Johnny Got His Gun
photo taken from wikipedia.org
During the 1930s, Dalton Trumbo came upon a story about a war veteran of the first world war who had lost his arms, legs, most of his face, and could only communicate by moving his head like Morse code. Essentially, this man was a prisoner of his own body. This story inspired the author to write a story that would shock readers with it’s anti-war message.
This story would soon become known as Johnny Got His Gun. This title was taken from the famous slogan that made young boys join the army; “Johnny get your gun!” The story was about a young boy named Joe who leaves his family and girlfriend behind to fight in the war against Germany. While serving on the western front, he is hit by an artillery shell and loses his arms, legs, his face, and cannot hear or speak. He struggles to make contact with a hospital nurse by banging his head against his pillows.
The novel was also adapted in a film starring Timothy Bottoms. Much like the book, the film was looked-down upon since it was anti-war and basically said that anyone who joins the military is a fool. Yet, this story has endured. In most high schools, it is required-reading. This story will surely shock anyone who hears it. I, myself, was moved by this tale of innocence lost.
I know all about this one. One of my favorite songs is about it. One by Metallica.