Gas mask Mickey Mouse

During the war, the CWS also initiated a major civil defense program to protect civilians against both chemical and biological weapons. Of particular concern were protective devices for children. With the help of Walt Disney, a Mickey Mouse gas mask was designed for children, in the hope that they would not be frightened if they had to wear it, and a tentlike protector was designed for in-fants.26,30,102 104... 

Fig. 3-26. Walt Disney helped design this Mickey Mouse gas mask for American children. The intention was that children would not be frightened of the cartoon character and would therefore be more willing to wear the mask. Photograph Courtesy of Chemical and Biological Defense Command Historical Research and Response Team, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md.

Walt Disney With Staff Members of Chemical Warfare Service, January 1942, meeting to discuss a Mickey Mouse gas mask for children. From left Col. George J. B. Fisher, Col, Maurice Barker, Walt Disney, General Porter, and General English. Note picture of mask, left background. 

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