Produce for Victory! 1942

Created in 1942 by American illustrator Paul Shafer, Produce for Victory! is one of the most compelling examples of United States World War II home-front propaganda. Rather than depicting soldiers on the battlefield, the poster celebrates the essential role of American industrial workers whose labor supplied the Allied war effort. It stands as a powerful reminder that victory depended as much on factories and shipyards as on the front lines.

The poster features a rugged factory worker holding a letter from his sons serving in the U.S. Army. Their message reads: "My two sons are in the Army. They write, 'Keep on the job, Pop. Give us the stuff we need and we'll blast Tokyo and Berlin off the map.'"

Below the quotation appears the bold command:

"PRODUCE FOR VICTORY!"

This direct and highly personal appeal transformed industrial production into an act of patriotism, encouraging workers to see their daily labor as a vital contribution to defeating the Axis powers.

Paul Shafer's striking realism gives the poster exceptional emotional impact. The weathered face of the worker conveys determination, sacrifice, and quiet dignity, while his protective goggles and work clothes immediately identify him as one of the millions of civilians employed in America's wartime industries. Rather than idealizing military heroism alone, the image honors the ordinary worker whose efforts sustained Allied armies overseas.

Issued by the U.S. Government's Office of War Information, posters such as this appeared throughout factories, shipyards, steel mills, railroads, and manufacturing plants across the United States. Their purpose was to maintain productivity, strengthen morale, reduce absenteeism, and remind workers that every aircraft, ship, vehicle, and weapon depended upon their commitment.

Today, Produce for Victory! is regarded as one of the strongest examples of American World War II motivational poster design. Its combination of powerful portraiture, emotionally charged text, and historical significance makes it particularly desirable among collectors of wartime propaganda, military history, industrial Americana, and twentieth-century graphic design.

Original wartime printings from 1942 are increasingly difficult to find, especially in well-preserved condition. More than simply a propaganda poster, this work captures the spirit of national unity and shared sacrifice that characterized the American home front during one of history's defining conflicts.

Original Poster

War 39-45 - Propaganda - United States

My two sons are in the army - N.13

Printed by The Sheldon Claire Co. in Chicago

Good condition, small tears on the edges