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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Busy Desk Sergeant--
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Busy Desk Sergeant--

Artifact ID1973.1.2074
Artist (United States, 1907 - 1981)
Publisher (founded 1885)
Date ca. May 1967
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 11 3/8 in x W 14 in (28.9 cm x 35.6 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ (“U.S.P.D.”) is surrounded by ringing phones ("Mideast Crisis” and “Vietnam") calling for help, saying “Send Patrolmen”, “Help-”, “Help!”, “Murders!”, “Help-”, “They’re gonna kill us all!”, and “Send us th’ police!”. Caption: “Busy Desk Sergeant–”. Artist signature lower left: "Bill McClanahan”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower left: "To President Johnson with best wishes Bill McClannahan". Handwritten at lower left: “May 25, 1967”.
Historical NoteJune 1967 was a tumultuous time for American foreign policy. The Six-Day War was fought between Israel and a coalition of Arab states. Additionally, the war in Vietnam continued with a larger degree of domestic and international criticism.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from the general public to President Johnson during his term in office. It was received by President Johnson, until the President donated it to the Lyndon B Johnson Presidential Library in 1973.
Credit LineGift of Lyndon Baines Johnson
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum. The LBJ Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
Person Referenced Lyndon Baines Johnson (United States, 1908 - 1973)
Not on view
Place Described
Place of Publication