The Original 'Phalanx Presents'--'Phalanx Investigations' Logo

ARTIST: William Louis ("Bill") McDonald Sr.

GRAPHIC DESIGNS: William Louis ("Bill") McDonald Sr.

PARTNERSHIP: Los Angeles Police Department Officer Victor Reuben Mendoza aka Victor Reubens and William Louis ("Bill") McDonald in Association with Art Levine Investigations.

MEDIA: Higgins India ink and quill-point pens.

MODEL: All Phalanx artwork was inspired by the Philip of Macedon and his interlocking spears and shields formation in a "V"-shape. This ancient battle formation was called a "Phalanx."

PURPOSE: This logo rendered in Higgins India ink with quill-point pen nibs was used in printing envelopes and business cards along with vehicle stickers. It became a silkscreen pattern for ball caps and wind-breaker jackets. It looked really cool on everything. The closest thing I could imagine to perfection would have been

YEARS: 1984 - 1993.

PROFESSIONAL LIMITED LIABILITY CORPORATION'S MISSION: To provide undercover observation and reporting services to the client as well as sub-rosa surveillance, client protection, and any and all video, photography, graphic arts and conceptual design services. Phalanx Presents was actually Phalanx Presents and Phalanx Investigations, a dual-purpose Professional Partnership homebased in Los Angeles, but whose partners could travel to operate at any location around the globe.

PLLC OFFICERS: Los Angeles Police Department Officer Victor Reuben Mendoza aka Victor Reubens and William Louis ("Bill") McDonald Sr.

MY REASON FOR BECOMING INVOLVED: As the Junior Partner, I got to travel extensively within the United States, south of the US border with Mexico, and to practically everywhere imaginable overseas.

This was accomplished even while I was still an active duty service member in the United States Marine Corps, along with another Marine who was a VMFA(T) - 101 RF-4 Phantom reconnaissance back-seat driver. We were home-based between Laguna Beach, El Toro Marine Air Station and Los Angeles' Marina Del Rey.

Plus I enjoyed the perks that went with being the company's Junior Partner: An American Express Corporate card, a Discover card, and both the requisite Visa and Mastercards. I ate what I wanted and afforded the lifestyle that my cover provided for.