"'Keep 'Em Flying' is our Battle Cry!" Vintage WWII Army Recruitment Poster by Smith and Downe, 1942

Presented is a vintage WWII recruitment poster by the artist team Dan V. Smith and Albrow F. Downe. The poster features three Boeing B-17 Flying Fortresses set in front of a large, waving American flag. The poster was issued by the United States Army Recruiting and Induction Service in 1942. It was published as an appeal to the American public to support the war effort by serving in the Army Air Corps.

The poster reads “‘Keep ‘Em Flying’ Is Our Battle Cry. Do Your Part For Duty - Honor- Country,” followed by two columns of text, one for "Aviation Cadets" and one for "Soldiers" with list of age requirements and descriptors. "Apply at Any U.S. Army Recruiting Station" is boldly printed in blue text at bottom.

The United States Army Air Corps (USAAC) was the military aviation arm of the US Army between 1926 and 1941. During World War II, the Corps became the United States Army Air Forces, before officially becoming the United States Air Force in 1947.

This poster features three Boeing B-17 Flying Fortresses. The B-17 was a four-engine heavy bomber created in the 1930's for the United States Army Air Corps.  In its first tests, the Boeing B-17 outperformed competitors and exceeded the performance specifications set by USAAC. Nicknamed "The Flying Fortress," the plane developed a reputation as a fast, high-flying, long-range bomber with heavy defensive armament. In addition to its role as a bomber, the B-17 was also employed as a transport, anti-submarine aircraft, drone controller, and search-and-rescue aircraft. The B-17 was also deployed in the Pacific, where it conducted raids against Japanese shipping and airfields.

CONDITION: 

Good condition.  Color is original and still very vibrant. Printers code at bottom right margin reads, "P-37-RPB-3-7-42-50 M". The names of both artists are printed on the bottom right side, in the image, “Dan V. Smith – Albro F. Downe”.  The poster  sheet measures 38" H x 28 1/8"W.

Poster has been archivally framed with acid-free mats, UV Plexiglas, and a custom-built black wooden frame. Framed Dimensions: 41 1/2" H x 28 1/2" W x 7/8" D. 




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