It should be noted that it was in use for decades before that.
In fact it is only half the saying. The complete saying is "When you are up to your A** in alligators it is hard to remember that your job was to drain the swamp"
12 posted on 11/22/2016 10:05:15 AM PST by Harmless Teddy Bear
(Not a Romantic, not a hero worshiper and stop trying to tug my heartstrings. It tickles!)