Disney’s respect for the U.S. Armed Forces dates back more than a century, beginning with founders Walt and Roy O. Disney, who served during and after World War I. Roy served in the U.S. Navy while Walt served with the Red Cross Ambulance Corps. Their spirit of patriotism carried through the years and later inspired the creation of a special art unit within The Walt Disney Studios during World War II. This group was dedicated to designing customized military unit insignia for the U.S. Armed Forces and their allies, along with supporting auxiliary and home front organizations.

Over the course of the war, Disney artists produced approximately 1,200 insignia — each one a symbol of pride and a reminder of home for those serving abroad.

“The legacy of supporting our military through this special art program is an important aspect of company history, something we’re honored to help preserve here in the Walt Disney Archives,” noted Kevin M. Kern, Regional Archives Manager for the department. “Each Disney-designed insignia has an interesting story to tell, and each story helps to shine a much-deserved spotlight on those who served our nation through their association with those historical images.”

Beloved Disney-designed characters were used for unit mascots, patches, and other memorabilia to inspire and boost morale among U.S. troops and our allies during the war. The lovable and hot-headed Donald Duck was the most requested character for unit insignia, with hundreds of designs created in support of the U.S. war effort and beyond.

One of those iconic unit insignia is what the U.S. Army now refers to as “Rocky the Bulldog,” a symbol created by Disney studio artists in 1965 for the 3rd Infantry Division of the U.S. Army.

For 60 years, Rocky, has been associated with the traditions of the 3^rd Infantry Division based out of Fort Stewart, Georgia. The insignia alludes to the “Dogface” nickname given to Soldiers from this division, especially enlisted infantrymen that gained widespread use during World War II. Disney was overjoyed to welcome the 3^rd Infantry Division band — which proudly displays “Rocky the Bulldog” as their insignia — to Walt Disney World Resort to celebrate the Army’s 250^th birthday.

“We are proud to have Rocky as our division mascot. Rocky represents the best of our troops, and we are overjoyed that we get to showcase our unit’s band and joyful patriotic music to all the guests at Magic Kingdom on the happy occasion of our U.S. Army’s 250th birthday celebration,” said Col. Shawn Bault, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division Artillery, U.S. Army.

Disney’s admiration for our nation’s heroes is part of the fabric of our company, reflecting a heritage of service and respect that began with our founders.

Our company’s respect and appreciation for those who serve, and their families continues today. Disney Salutes the military community throughout the year with support through the hiring, training and support for military veterans through the Heroes Work Here initiative, daily Flag Retreat Ceremonies at Magic Kingdom Park and Disneyland and specially priced Disney theme park tickets and resort hotel rates.

To learn more about Disney’s ongoing support for service members, veterans and their families, visit our Veterans topic page.