#VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Walter Botts

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Walter Botts. Walter served during World War I from 1918 to 1919.

Walter enlisted the Army when he was 18 out of Hoboken, New Jersey, and served at the tail-end of WWI. En route to work in radio communication, he was never shipped out as the war was coming to a close upon his entry to the military.

In 1938, Walter was chosen among several models to pose as ‘Uncle Sam’ in the prominent ‘I want YOU!’ WWII recruiting campaign posters for each military branch. Reporting to sketching sessions for three days, this famous image was drawn by James Montgomery Flagg in a total of five settings. Walter originated the phrase ‘I want you’ and the infamous finger-pointing pose while working with Mr. Flagg to depict Uncle Sam in these war campaigns. Walter was awarded Commendation by Lyndon B. Johnson in 1969 for his part in posing as Uncle Sam during that time.

Walter persistently pursued music throughout his lifetime and was a member of several bands which traveled throughout New York, Florida, Texas, and California. He later married Margery Brown and worked several jobs over the years as a surveyor and in logging until he passed in 1972 of heart complications.

We honor his service

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Veterans History Project

This #VeteranOfTheDay profile was created with interviews submitted to the Veterans History Project. The project collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war Veterans so that future generations may hear directly from Veterans and better understand the realities of war. Find out more at http://www.loc.gov/vets/.

Graphic By Damin Jung: Damin Jung is a student studying Web Design. She has a BS in International Relations and Politics.