Finding Aid for the United States War Poster Collection, 1917-1976 (bulk 1940s-1950s)
For reference questions, please contact university_manuscripts@uncg.edu.
This collection of approximately 270 United States war-related posters includes mainly World War II posters, as well as some from World War I and a few from other periods.
MSS 044
Approximately 270 posters.
Collection is open for research.
Copyright is retained by the creators of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.
[Identification of item], United States War Posters Collection (MSS 272), University Archives and Manuscripts, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Most of the posters have been in Jackson Library since the 1940s; they were rediscovered in the library basement by a library employee and transferred to University Archives in August 1998. Some posters were added at later dates.
This collection of approximately 270 United States war-related posters includes mainly World War II posters, as well as some from World War I and a few from other periods.
The posters are arranged by subject and stored according to subject and size. Smaller posters are stored in the oversize map case. Larger posters are stored in a separate oversize area. If the artist is known, his or her name follows the poster title.
SERIES A. WOMEN IN THE ARMED FORCES
A001. SPARs, 28 x 42, 1943
A002. WAAC - This is my war Too, Dan V. Smith, 25 x 38, 1943
A003. WAAC - Do Your Part, Join the WAAC, 25 x 38.5, 1942
A004. SPARs - 28 x 42, ca. 1943-1945
A005. Enlist in the WAVES - Release a man to fight at sea, 28 x 42, 1943
A006. This is our war…Join the WAAC, 9 x 12.5, (gold), 1943
A007. This is our war…Join the WAAC, 21 x 11, (gold) cardboard, 1943
A008. WAAC - This is my war too!, Dan v. Smith, 9 x 12.5, 1943
A009. Be a Marine…Free a Marine to Fight, 28 x 40, 1943
A010. Be a Marine…Free a Marine to Fight, 14 x 20, 1943
A011. For your country's sake today, 17 x 25, 1944
A013. Proud Parents, Women's Army Corps, 17 x 25, 1956
A015. Smartest Women of the Year, U.S. Air Force (WAF), 11 x 14, 7-5-51
A016. Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory, Schlaikjer, 20 x 28, 1944 [WAC]
A017. Share Service for Freedom – WAC, WAF, WAVE, Marine, Nurses, WMSC, 11 x 14, 1951 [see also A037]
A018. Join in the Holiday Spirit – US Air Force, 17 x 25, 1953 [WAF]
A019. A Part of the Team – U.S. Air Force, ca. 1950s [WAF]
A020. The Girl of the Year is a SPAR, 11x 16.5, 1943
A021. Young Ladies: College Juniors – Women's Army Corps, 11 x 14, ca. 1950s
A022. Woman's Place in War, Women's Army Corps, 21 x 11, 1944
A023. Women! They can’t do any more—but you can—join the WAC, 9 x 12.5, 1943
A024. It’s a Woman’s War Too! Join the WAVES, John Falter, 28 x 43, ca. 1942
A025. Join the ATS (British), A. Games, ca. WWII (reproduction)
A026. 2nd WAAC Training Center Series—You know, but …don’t tell them! Safeguard Military Information, 12.5 x 19 (all of this series is dated ca. 1943-45)
A027. " " Don’t Let Your Salute Get Out of Hand, 19 x 25
A028. " " Confidentially—You Slink! 13 x 16.25
A029. " " Take Up the Slack, 13 x 15.75
A030. " " As Others See Us, 13 x 16
A031. " " WAC! Put Your Back In It! (Posture) 13 x 16
A032. " " Beware! (Posture) 13 x 16
A033. " " Basic Belles (Hats) 19 x 25
A034. " " Processing Begins With Your Spine! 13 x 16.25
A035. Enemies are for Information, 12.5 x 19
A036. Exclusive Model [WAC] 17x25, 1955
A037. Share Service for Freedom
A038. Share the Deeds of Victory [WAVES, 3 copies, Toll]
A039. Share the Deeds of Victory, Image only [WAVES, Toll]
A040. We want the World to know we’re on the same team [WAVES, Toll] 28 x 39, 1943
A041. Proud I’ll Say Join the WAVES, 28 x 42, 1943 [2 copies]
A042. Have you got what it takes…Enlist in the WAVES, 28 x 40.25, 1944
A043. The Army Air Forces Want You!, 19 x 25
A044. “Calling WAAC…”, 25 x 38, 1943
A045. Good Soldier – The WAC, 25 x 38, 1944
SERIES B. NURSES, MEDICAL, RED CROSS
B001. Red Cross, Volunteer for Victory, 21 x 33.5, ca. 1941-1945
B002. U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps (Enlist in a Proud Profession), 20 x 28, ca. 1943-1945
B003. Army Nurse Corps - You are needed now, 20.5 x 31, 1943
B004. Cadet Nurse - The girl with a future, 20 x 28, 1944
B005. Red Cross - Hospital Workers, 15.25 x 21.25, 1945
B006. Save His Life - Find Your Own, 14 x 22, 1943
B007. Become a Nurse - Your country needs you, 14 x 17.5, 1942
B008. Women - Our Wounded Need Your Care, Women's Army Corps Medical Technicians, 17 x 25, 1945
B009. Red Cross - It Costs $7…, 18 x 24, ca. 1941-1945
B010. Serve Those Who Served - VA Hospitals, 20 x 28, 1945
B012. The Army Student Nurse Program Offers, 8 x 11, n.d.
B013. They Depend on You…U.S. Army Nurse Corps, 11 x 4, 1953
B015. Join the Navy Nurse Corps, 20.5 x 31, ca. 1940s-1950s
B016. Three Fine Futures for You As an Officer in the Women’s Medical Specialist Corps, circa 1953
SERIES C. WAR BONDS/LOANS
C001. This is my fight too (red/black/white), 22 x 28, 1942
C002. Women at War Buy War Bonds, 16 x 4.5, 1942
C003. Protect His Future - Buy and Keep War Bonds, (baby), 10 x 14, 1944
C004. Next - 6th War Loan, 20 x 28, 1944
C005. The most you can save is the least you can do, 33 x 5.5, 1942
C006. For Freedom's Sake (Minuteman), 11 x 14, 1943
C007. Let 'em have it - Buy Extra Bonds - 4th War Loan, 20 x 28, 1943
C008. For Peace and Security (3 wise men), 18.5 x 25.75, 1945
C009. Victory - Now you can invest in it - Victory Loan, (American Eagle), 9 x 12.75,
C010. Care is Costly - Buy and Hold War Bonds, 9.25 x 13, 1945
C011. In the Strength of Great Hope… (FDR), 18.5 x 26, 1945
C012. Buy a Share in America - Defense Savings, cardboard with stand, 1941
C013. War Bonds and Stamps, (flag), 20.5 x 11.25, 1942
C014. Buy now for the bigger 7th war loan (red), 10 x 14, 1945
C015. Give War Bonds - The Present with a Future, (Christmas Tree), 20 x 28, 1943
C016. Care is Costly - Buy and Hold War Bonds, 18.5 x 28, 1945
C017. Fire Away - Buy Extra Bonds, 5th War Loan, 20 x 28, 1944
C018. You can't afford to miss EITHER!, 11 X 14, 1944
C019. Para Melhores Dias… U.S. War Bonds - 22 x 28, 1943
C020. The Sky's the Limit! Keep Buying War Bonds, 20 x 271944
C021. For Defense - Buy U.S. Savings Bonds and Stamps, 9.75 x 13.5, 1941
C022. Help Send Them What It Takes To Win (red, blue, green chart), 27.5 x 21.5, 1943
C023. BUY WAR BONDS (Uncle Sam in clouds) 30 x 39.5,
C024. Lexington, 1775, etc. (scenes from American Revolution), 25 x 38
C025. American Red Cross War Fund, 18 x 24.25
C026. The Hope of All the World, 17.5 s 11.75
C027. I’m making bombs and buying bonds 19.5 x 25.5, c. 1942-45
SERIES D. PRODUCTION/INDUSTRY/WAR JOBS
D001. Women of All Ages Work on War Jobs, 29 x 40
D002. Women in the War - We can't live without them, 28 x 40
D003. Women Answer Manpower Shortages, 29 x 40
D004. Work Clothes for Safety and Efficiency, 29 x 40
D005. Women's Hands Speed War Production, 29 x 40
D006. War Jobs, (Uncle Sam), 22 x 28, 1943
D007. Franklin Roosevelt statement on workers/production (FDR photo), 28.5 x 40
D008. Selected Occupations for Women in the National Emergency, 33.5 x 35, 1951
D009. The American Woman is Today's Minute Man, 11 x 14, ca. 1941-1945
D010. Bundles for Berlin, Melbourne Brindee, (yellow/gray), 28.25 x 40
D011. Good News from Home - More Production, Stevan Dohanos, 28.5 x 40, 1942
D012. How Steel is Made, 20.25 x 35
D013. Message to Men and Women in War Work from FDR, 16 x 20, ca. 1941-1945
D014. Mrs. Leah Sullivan - War Jobs, 16 x 20, ca. 1941-1945
D015. No Pinch Hitter for Me - War Jobs, 16 x 20, ca. 1941-1945
D016. Thomas Edison - Production, 28.5 x 40
D017. Every Man, Woman and Child is a Partner - Production, 28 x 40
D018. Jenny on the Job - Has Her Fun After Work (all Jenny posters are 10 x 14), 1943
D019. " Eats Man Size Meals
D020. " Wears Styles Designed for Victory
D021. " Steps Ahead with Low Heels
D022. " Keeps Fresh as a Daisy
D023. " Gets Her Beauty Sleep
D024." Lifts Weight the Easy Way
D025. " Let's Keep our Rest Room Clean!
D026. Announcing new and higher Navy pay! 28 x 42
D027. Douglas McArthur - Industry is an indispensable factor in war, 16 x 20
D029. Resources of the Americas for War and Peace, 19.75 x 26
D030. Find your war job, George R[?], 22.5 x 16, 1943
D031. Speed Victory – Let's have your ideas, 28.5 x 40
SERIES E. ARMED FORCES [MEN]
E001. Your Navy - First Line of Attack, John Falter, 28 x 42, 1942
E002. Remember Last December - Enlist in Your Navy Today, 28 x 42, 1942 [2 copies]
E003. Dish it out with the Navy, McClelland Barkley, 1942, 28 x 41
E004. Know your Navy (ads for two booklets), 28 x 32, 1942
E006. Let's Finish the Job - Experienced Seamen Needed! 20 x 28, 1944
E007. You bet I'm going back to sea! - U.S. Merchant Marine, 14.25 x 20, 1942
E008. Announcing New and Higher Navy Pay, John Falter, 28 x 42, 1942
E009. Let’s Hit ‘Em [Navy]
SERIES F. UNITED NATIONS
F001. United we are strong - United we will win, 20 x 28, 1943
F004. We the Peoples of the U.N. - Preamble to Charter, 22 x 28
F005. Peace Takes Practice (blue/black), 18 x 20.5, 1948
F006. Peace Takes Practice (blue/black), 18 x 25.75, 1948
F007. Charter of the United Nations, 26 x 37
F008. Charter of the United Nations, 26 x 37
F009. Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 29 x 40, 1948
F010. Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 29 x 40
F011. We, the people of the United Nations have determined… 25 x 38
F012. We, the people of the United Nations have determined… 25 x 38
F013. Organs of the United Nations, 22 x 14.75, ca. 1947
F014. The United Nations - Member Country Flags (with Statue of Liberty), 20 x 28, 1942
F015. United Nations Fight for Freedom (Statue of Liberty and flags), 22 x 28
F016. United Nations Fight for Freedom (Statue of Liberty and flags), 10 x 14
F017. UNITED - The United Nations Fight for Freedom, 20 x 28, 1943
F018. United Nations System – Organizational Chart, 8 x 10.5, 1954
F019. Your United Nations, 23.5 x 34
F020. United Nations Fight for Freedom (Statue of Liberty and Flags), 22 x 28, 1942
F021. The United Nations Fight for Freedom, 28.5 x 39.75, 1942
SERIES G. FOOD & NUTRITION/AGRICULTURE
G001. Food is War Power, 11 x 14, ca. 1941-1945
G002. Am I Proud? Canning Food at Home, 18.5 x 26, 1946
G003. A Message About Food…from the PRESIDENT, 18.5 x 27.25, 1946
G004. U.S. Needs US Strong, 13.25 x 20, 1941-1945
G005. Where our men are fighting, 22 x 28, 1943
G006.Be a Victory Farm Volunteer in the U.S. Crop Corps, 14 x 22, 1943
G007. Work on a farm…this summer, 16 x 22.5, 1943
G008. Going our way? Be a Victory Farm Volunteer, 18.5 x 26, 1945
G009. Meet Substitutes, 11 x 14, cardboard, ca. 1941-1945
G010. Plant a Victory Garden - Our Food is Fighting, 22 x 28
G011. Victory Gardens and Vitamin Diets on the Homefront, 11 x 14, ca. 1941-1945
G012. Series of rationing posters, 8.5 x 11, 1945
G013. YOUR VICTORY GARDEN counts more than ever! 19 x 26.5, 1945
G014. Grow Your Own - Be Sure! 16 x 22.5, ca. 1944-1945
G015. Rationing means a fair share for all of us, (red/black), 22 x 28, 1943
G016. Do with less - so they'll have enough, 22 x 28, 1943
G017. Keep the Home Front Pledge, 20 x 28
G018. Rationing means a fair share for all of us, 21 x 27, 1943
G019. The Basic Seven…eat this way every day, 18.5 x 23.5, 1945
G020. The 4 Corners of a Square Meal, 25 x 33
G021. Food Nutrients, 24.5 x 38
G022. The Story of Sugar, 50 x 38, ca. after 1932
G023. Functions of Food in Nutrition, 24.5 x 38
SERIES H. CONSERVATION
H001. For Gunpowder - SAVE WASTE FATS, 29.5 x 43.25
H002. Hon. Spy Say: Thanks for the can you throw away! 10.5 x 8
H003. Our Carelessness - Their Secret Weapon - Prevent Forest Fires, 22 x 28
H004. Use it up - wear it out - make it do! 22 x 28.25, 1943
H005. Save your cans - help pass the ammunition, 24.75 x 33.5
H006. I'll carry mine too! Trucks and Tires must last Till Victory, 22 x 28
H007. Salvage for Victory, 8 in. round
H008. Make Your Rubber Last - series of 5 different posters, 14 x 19, 1942
H009. " "
H010. " "
H011. " "
H012. " "
H013 Laundering Guide for Terry Towels, 22 x 34
H014. Buying Guide for Terry Towels, 22 x 33.5
SERIES I. SAFETY/FIRST AID/HEALTH
I001. Learn to Lift Correctly! 16.25 x 21.75, 1943
I002. Sight Security - 20 x 28.5, 1944
I003. Yank them OUT!/See over your load!, 10 x 28, 1944
I004. Handle Carefully - Beware Sharp Edges on Castings/Keep oil off floor!, 10 x 28,
1944
I005. Doctors are Scarce - Learn First Aid, 22 x 28
I006. Stop Shock, 16 x 21, 1950
I007. Just by Keeping Well…Follow these simple health rules, 13.5 x 20
I008. New Air Raid Warning System, 20 x 28, 1943
SERIES J. HOME FRONT ISSUES/MORALE/DEMOCRACY
J001. Opportunity for All Children - That's What Democracy Means, 25 x 20, 1942
J002. The state of this nation is good… message from F.D.R., 20 x 14, 1943
J003. The state of this nation is good… message from F.D.R., 20 x 14, 1943
J004. We have just begun to fight, 20 x 28
J005. Strong in the strength of the Lord…, 7 x 11, 1942
J006. The Hope of all the World, 17.5 x 11.75
J007. What so proudly we hailed…(liberty bell), 16 x 20
J008. Don't Travel - unless your trip helps win the war, 18.5 x 26, 1945
J009. Is your trip necessary? 20 x 28, 1943
J010. Christmas Overseas Gifts, 21 x 27, 1945
J011. We'll take care of the rising sun - you take care of rising prices, 16.25 x 22.75
J012. Cost of Living - Keep the Home Front Pledge, 21.5 x 28
J013. Give it your best! (American flag), 28.5 x 20, 1942
J014. We highly resolve…remember December 7th! 28 x 40
J015. Cost of Living – 1918/1944, 20.5 x 28
J016. Pvt. Joe Louis, 7.25 x 10, 1942
J017. Till Death or Victory – Winston Churchill, 16 x 20, ca. 1941-1945
J018. The Four Freedoms – Franklin Roosevelt
SERIES K. SECRECY
K001. Somebody Blabbed/Button your lip! (red), 7.25 x 10, 1942
K002. Somebody Blabbed (blue), 7.25 x 10, 1942
K003. The enemy is listening, 20 x 28
K004. Someone Talked!, Siebel, 28 x 40, 1942
K005. If you tell where he's going…20 x 28, 1943
K006. Americans suffer when careless talk kills! 14 x 20, 1943
K007. Our Carelessness, Their Secret Weapon, Prevent Forest Fires, 1943
K008. If you tell where they're going…, 28.5 x 40, 1943
SERIES L. FOUR FREEDOMS (Norman Rockwell)
L001. OURS…to fight for, 28.5 x 40
L002. The Four Freedoms, 17 x 23, 1943
L003. Our Freedoms and Rights, 12.5 x 17, 1942
L004. Freedom from Fear, 24 x 30.5
L005. Freedom from Want, 24 x 30.5
L006. Freedom of Worship, 25 x 32.5
L007. Freedom of Speech, 25 x 32.5
L008. Freedom from Fear, (graphic only)
SERIES M. ALLIES/AXIS
M001. This is the Philippine Islands, 34 x 22, ca. 1944-45
M002. France's Recovery is Europe's Need, 36 x 24, ca. 1945
M003. Latin America, 19.75 x 26
M004. British Commonwealth, 22 x 30
M005. Poland - First to Fight, 19.5 x 29, ca. 1944-45
M006. This is Poland, 34 x 22
M007. Czechoslovaks - your allies, 22 x 30
M008. The Fighting Filipinos, 27 x 41, 1943
M009. This is India, 34 x 22, ca. 1944-45
M010. This is the enemy (Nazis, knife through Bible) 20 x 28, 1943
M011. The Dutch Fight on to Victory, 24 x 32
M012. Mexican Tourist Association - for the same victory! 27 x 36
M013. New Zealand - Ally Down Under, 23.75 x 31.75
M014. The Development of Self Government in British India, 22 x 29.5
M015. "Helpt deze vlek verwijderen,"red swastika, 23.5 x 35.5
M016. This man is your Friend (series of posters) 7.25 x 10, 1942
M017. United We are Strong – United we will win, 20 x 28, 1943
M018. The Statue of Westminster, 22 x 30, 1931
M019. Willkommen—neuer Reichsbahn—Kamerad!, 11 x 17, copy, 2 sheets, circa 1939-1945
SERIES N. OTHER
N001. WWII 1939-1945 European Operations, 57 x 39
N002. SEATO, 44 x 34
N003. The Atlantic Charter, 28.5 x 40, 1941
N004. The Atlantic Charter, 28.5 x 40
N005. Factual Chart of World War II, European Operations, 15 x 14.25, 1945
N006. New Air Raid Warning System - 20 x 28
N007. A Career for You – Girl Scouts of the USA, 17 x 22
N008. United States, Department of State Publications, 25.5 x 40, 1947
N009. Where We Grow Our Trees, 28 x 34, 1943
N010. What We Get From Trees, 28 x 40, 1945
N011. Germany XIth Olympiad Berlin 1936, 25 x 40
SERIES O. WORLD WAR I POSTERS
O001. The Woman's Land Army of America, Herbert Paus, 20 x 26.5, ca. 1917-1918,
O002. Back Our Girls Over There, YWCA United War Work Campaign, Clarence Underwood, 21 x 28, ca. 1917-1918
O003. Thirty-five of Our Women Doctors are Already There, Thelma Cudlipp, 28.25 x 40.25, ca. 1918
O004. Have You Answered the Red Cross Role Call?, Harrison Fisher, 28 x 30, ca. 1917-1918
O005. Oh Boy! That’s the Girl! The Salvation Army Lassie, G. M. Richards, 31.5 x 42, 1918
O006. Joan of Arc Saved France, 30x40
O007. For every fighter a Woman Worker, 28x42
O008. We Need You [Red Cross] 30.5 x 40
O009. Follow the Pied Piper [School Garden Army] 16 x 22, 1918
SERIES P. MAPS
P001. ESSO War Map II, ca. 1943-45
[SERIES Q held for Korean conflicts]
SERIES R. VIETNAM ERA POSTERS
R001. Vietnam Moratorium, 17 x 22, 1969
SERIES S. POST-VIETNAM
S001. Even if I destroy all the men…(Revolutionary War quote), 18.5 x 26, 1976
S002. Women in the Military: A Proud Heritage, 17 x 22, 1993
S003. Service in Sacrifice: Disabled American Veterans, 12 x 18, circa 1980s-1990s
See also the posters from our Women Veterans Collection.
See more UNCG manuscript collections related to World Wars I and II.
See also the National Archives collection.