"The Bugle Sounds, Enlist in the U.S. Army Now" Vintage WWII Army Recruitment Poster

This is a vintage U.S. Army recruitment and United States Savings Bond poster from WWII. The poster reads "THE BUGLE SOUNDS" in bold red lettering, its message set above an illustration of a plane and a photographic image of men in tanks. To the right, more text urges viewers to "Enlist in the U.S. ARMY NOW! YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU” in patriotic red and blue lettering. Below is a red bordered text block that reads, “WALLACE BEERY of BUGLE SOUNDS - says!- ‘Everyone do their share - NOW-  To assure the World a just and early peace.’” At the very bottom of the poster is the reminder “BUY UNITED STATES SAVINGS BONDS AND STAMPS” in blue block letters.  

​​This poster reminded Americans of their duty to protect their country's freedom, by serving in the United States Army. The illustration of tanks and a plane serve as examples of roles they could take on to help fight the enemy. Emphasizing a collective effort, the bottom of the poster also encourages those not fighting to “do their share” and support the war effort by buying savings bonds and stamps. 

During WWII, the government received funding directly from United States citizens in the form of war saving bonds and stamps, which were paid back later with interest. Purchasing war bonds was viewed as a way for American citizens to support the war effort. Traditionally, large dollar bond amounts, ranging from $50 to $1000, were purchased for bonds. However, in the 1940’s, the average American did not have extra money to purchase these large bond amounts. In response, war savings stamps were created by the United States Post Office. 

These postal stamps were in smaller denominations, starting at 10 and 25 cents, ranging up to $1 and $5, and could be collected in a war bond stamp book. The stamps earned no interest, but were used to eventually redeem a Series E War Bond. Once a person collected enough stamps they could purchase a larger war bond of $25, $50, or $100. Employees could also authorize a certain allotment from each paycheck to be saved towards the purchase of a war savings bond. Known as the payroll savings plan, the employer would deliver the bond out of the designated savings from his paycheck. 

Eight War Loan Drives were conducted in the US from 1942 to 1945. By the end of the war, 85 million Americans (out of a population of 131 million) had purchased $185.7 billion dollars of bonds – over $2,000 per person, at a time when the average income was $2,000 per year. The patriotism and personal sacrifice of the average citizen played a significant part in the Allied war effort.

CONDITION:

Good condition. Strong colors. Paper has light toning, a centerfold and mild creasing from past storage.  "Litho in USA" printed in the bottom right margin. Poster sold unframed, as-is. Unframed Dimensions: 37"H x 25" W.