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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Silence Means Surprise
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Silence Means Surprise

Object numberMO 2005.13.21.41
Name Poster
Maker (American, founded 1861)
Issuing Body (American, 1907 - 1986)
Issuing Body (American, 1789 - 1947)
Date1943
Mediumpaper, ink
Dimensionsoverall H 22 in x W 14 in (55.9 cm x 35.6 cm )
DescriptionA color poster featuring a caricature of a Nazi officer with his hat raising off his head and his hair standing on end as he gives an expression of extreme surprise. White and red text at the bottom of the poster reads: SILENCE MEANS surprise.

Small text printed in the lower left of the poster reads: W.D., A.G.O., "Surprise" Security Poster / U. S. Government Printing Office: 1944—O-539261.
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
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesOriginal Posters from World War I and World War II (National Archives Identifier 739394)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
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