What is a SHORT SNORTER?

What is a "Short Snorter"? It has been defined in a few ways, and likely varied a bit by locale and time, much as stories, legends and customs might. 

One explanation is that it was defined as the bond of friendship amongst the crewmembers or comrades in arms, and it existed typically as paper money signed by two or more men and then separated (torn) so that when all were together again they would still have the money for a drink! It has also been defined in similar terms but consisted of a roll of bills, each from a different man and/or place, and all attached one to the next. 

Here are two photos of the Short Snorters that Roy Firestone brought home with him, front and rear. The signatories on the 2$ bill are still visible.

 

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Here's another explanation from from Fred Riley:  The "Short Snorter" as I know it was a sort of drinking club. In order to join you would have to by a round of drinks for everyone in the club at the time. So in order to escape the expense I waited until one afternoon when the club was near empty. Excuse the language that follows but if you were in t he club and another member slapped you on the back and asked if you were a "Short Snorter", your response must be that "You bet your sweet ass I am" and you would have to have the bill to prove it! If you could not prove it you were obligated to buy the round!
So the wise thing t o do was wait until you caught someone, say dancing with the Colonels wife, or where he might be embarrassed to respond properly, and that way you managed free drinks. After being overseas I was in a Hollywood night club and Sophie Tucker was singing there so I asked for her autograph on my "Short Snorter" bill.
She agreed and asked for a pen, I did not have one so one of the civilian men at her table offered his pen. She signed, I thanked her, and not thinking, I put the pen into my pocket. The owner asked me to return it... I was very embarrassed, but I have her autograph.
You probably will have to ask some one in my age group who she was. (Visit this link to learn more and hear Sophie sing: Sophie Tucker)
I too added a bill from every country we visited to my Short Snorter but alas I do not know what happened to he rest.

Fred Riley's Short Snorter

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The 456th Bomb Group B-24 Short Snorter and her crews, click here.

A photo of the B-24 "Short Snorter" in the 456th Photo Album here., Page 51

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