World War 2 Posters at NHSL
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Loose Lips Sink Ships Our Allies Oversized Posters
Wanted for murder.
This is the enemy.
If you tell where he's going...
Americans suffer when careless talk kills.
Somebody blabbed–button your lip!
A careless word, a needless sinking.
Careless talk got there first.
I'm counting on you.

LOOSE LIPS SINK SHIPS

Concerns about national security intensify during wartime. With German and Japanese submarines patrolling off U.S. coasts, great emphasis was placed on educating servicemen and civilians about the need for secrecy concerning military matters, especially troop movements. Central to maintaining national security was the Office of War Information's drive to limit talk about the war in both the public and private arenas of American life. Silence meant security. The graphic designs of this "loose talk" on the home front posters were usually strong and eye catching using bright colors for impact. In no other series of WWII posters was the potential for loss of human life portrayed as such a recurring theme.

Wanted for murder. This is the enemy. If you tell where he's going, he may never get there. Americans suffer when careless talk kills.

Somebody blabbed-button your lip! A careless word, a needless sinking. Careless talk got there first. I'm counting on you. Don't discuss troop movements, ship sailings, war equipment.

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