Going to war is never easy. Going to war in dangerous circumstances is even harder. But sentimental trinkets can soften the burden. “Short Snorters” were sentimental enough for this task.
Before World War II a “short snort” was used as slang for a small shot of liquor. Similarly, during this time pilots had discovered that liquor and flying didn’t mix, so the “short snort” was their perfect option before a flight. During the 1920s, bush pilots in Alaska took the tradition one step further and began signing monetary bills as a sign of good luck while drinking at a bar, and thus began the exclusive club of “short snorters.”
The popularity of the practice soared during World War II and soon members of all branches of the US military–as well as some civilians–were trading bills to sign. The club allowed new members to join when invited by an established member. It soon became a status symbol to add more bills and more signatures. If a member could not produce their “short snorter” when asked, they were responsible for buying the next round. Or, whomever had the shortest “snorter”–either in terms of the least amount of signatures, or the least amount of bills–was responsible for purchasing the drinks.
Some “short snorters” were created at or in honor of notable events. For example, some famous “short snorters” came from the Casablanca Conference, which was held in January 1943 by Allied leaders to plan their European strategy for World War II. General George S. Patton signed multiple bills during the Conference.
Similarly, many soldiers clamored for famous personalities to sign their “short snorters.” Between General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s visits to the front, and Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt’s visit to NAS San Juan in Puerto Rico, many had the opportunity to have a living legend sign their cash. Even more, whenever a famous USO performer visited, a line for their signature was sure to form.
Even today “short snorters” survive in the collections of museums and private collectors. The bills once united soldiers across various theaters of war, and today they serve as a tangible reminder of these veteran’s experiences.
Additional Resources
- Money Matters: The Short Snorter Saga, Article by Chase Tomlin from the National WWII Museum
- Short-Snorter Dollar Bill from the U.S. Army Center of Military History
- A Useful Souvenir: The “Short Snorter,” National Museum of the United States Air Force
- The Short Snorter Project
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