"Keep 'Em Flying! Air Crews Are Vital For Victory" Vintage WWII Army Recruitment Poster, 1942

This Army Air Corps recruitment poster, by Ivan Dmitri, was issued in 1942 in order to entice new enlistees amidst World War II. Bearing the popular slogan, “Keep ‘Em Flying!” in large white block letters near the top, the rest of the poster reads, “Air Crews are Vital for Victory / young men, 18 to 26 inclusive, can be aviation cadets for air crew training as bombardiers, navigators and pilots.” The poster depicts seven men of an air crew discussing plans as B-17 Flying Fortresses pass overhead. This poster represents the widespread call to action and enlistment during WWII. 

The importance of airpower in the Second World War was obvious after the Attack on Pearl Harbor. Yet a separate Air Force branch in the United States would not be approved until 1947, leaving the majority of the air battles to the Army Air Corps. By the end of the war, more than 2.3 million air missions had taken place. 

More than just pilots were needed to form an efficient and effective air service; other occupations such as mechanics, navigators, and strategists were also crucial to the Army Air Corps’ success. This poster shows a team working together to launch B-17 Flying Fortress missions. These planes were highly recognizable bombers and celebrated as a symbol of power. Young men looking for a way to serve in the war might have been excited to enlist and serve in the new and exciting air service. 

CONDITION:

Overall, good condition. Original color photo offset poster. The colors are still bright and vibrant, with only light toning. Paper is healthy, save faint fold lines from past storage.  Signed in stone by Ivan Dmitri. "Photo by Ivan Dimitri, Courtesy of The Saturday Evening Post" at bottom left of lithographed photo. "P38-RPB-5-16-42-100m" at bottom right of lithographed photo. Poster sold unframed, as-is. Unframed Dimensions: 38 1/4" H x 25" W (sheet size).

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.