My dad knew Mauldin slightly, served in the same theater. He says that all of his cartoons are true.
When Mauldin was so ill and dying, his son mentioned to a columnist from the Orange County Register that the only thing that made him brighten up and take an interest was notes from his old dogface buddies. So the columnist organized mail and personal visits from veterans -- they were coming in relays to shake Mauldin's hand and reminisce with and for him. My dad lives in S.GA - too far for him to go to get to California - but he and one of his buddies sent Mauldin a card and some old photos. It was such a tremendous outpouring of affection and support for the creator of Willie and Joe. The Master Sergeant of the Army made a special trip out with a couple of helpers to give Mauldin a promotion to MSgt on his deathbed. So much for the idea that the Army doesn't take care of its own . . .