Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Guide the Fighter Planes
Artifact IDMO 2005.13.19.3
Object Type
Poster
Issuing Body
U.S. Army Recruiting Publicity Bureau
(American, founded 1919)
Date1942
Mediumpaper (cardstock), ink
Dimensionsoverall H 28 3/8 in x W 20 in (72.1 cm x 50.8 cm )
Physical DescriptionA color poster featuring an illustration of a civilian man standing outside against the night sky, reporting by phone as he watches a squadron of planes flying overhead. He is dressed in a matching hat and heavy coat with a U.S. Army AWS Airforce Observer armband on the left arm. The unidentified artist’s facsimile signature is in the lower right of the illustration. White text on the illustration instructs: “Guide the fighter planes.” Below the illustration, white text on an orange background reads: “JOIN THE ARMY AIR FORCES GROUND OBSERVER CORPS / FIRST FIGHTER COMMAND / Volunteer at your location Civilian Defense Office!”
Issued by the Recruiting Publicity Bureau, United States Army, poster no. P-43-(X-1FC-1)—RPB—10-5-42--100M.
Historical NoteThousands of civilians volunteered to serve in the Army Air Forces Ground Observer Corps. They manned observation posts along the nation’s coastline watching for German or Japanese aircraft.Issued by the Recruiting Publicity Bureau, United States Army, poster no. P-43-(X-1FC-1)—RPB—10-5-42--100M.
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.In Collection(s)
Exhibitions
Not on view