Skip to main content
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
A Careless Word . . . A Needless Sinking
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

A Careless Word . . . A Needless Sinking

Object numberMO 2005.13.21.15.7
Artist (German-born American illustrator, 1882 - 1962)
Maker (American, founded 1861)
Issuing Body (American, 1942 - 1945)
Date1942
Mediumpaper, ink
Dimensionsoverall H 37 1/4 in x W 28 1/2 in (94.6 cm x 72.4 cm )

DescriptionA color poster featuring a large illustration of a group of sailors in a rowboat on open water, rowing away from a partially destroyed ship on fire in the background. The artist's name is printed in the lower left corner of the image: ANTON OTTO FISCHER. White text at the top and below the illustration reads: A careless word . . . / A NEEDLESS SINKING. Additional small text along the bottom edge of the poster reads: OWI Poster No. 24. Additional copies may be obtained upon request from the Division of Public Inquiries, Office of War Information, Washington, D. C. / U. S. Government Printing Office : 1942-O-502219.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by the Adriance Memorial Library.
Credit LineGift of the Adriance Memorial Library
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
Non exposé