Early on, Leatherneck became known for its colorful cover art. The September 1929 cover depicted a “Marine patrol fired on while fording the Coco River,” drawn by an active-duty enlisted Marine named Donald L. Dickson.
Thus Dickson began an association with the magazine that lasted more than 40 years. Dickson’s pencil sketches and oil paintings drew readers’ attention. His drawings during the Battle of Guadalcanal also graced the pages of Life magazine.
While his art and articles were published in Leatherneck for decades, he also was the editor for 19 years. Retiring from active duty in 1965, he continued to write and produce art for the magazine. During his career, he rose from private to colonel.
