Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
P.F.C. Joe Palooka
Artifact IDMO 2005.13.35.56
Object Type
Poster
Artist
Hammond (Ham) Edward Fisher
(American cartoonist, 1901 - 1955)
Maker
U.S. Government Printing Office
(American, founded 1861)
Issuing Body
U.S. Army
(American, founded 1775)
Issuing Body
U.S. Army Conservation Program
(American, founded 1943)
Date1945
Mediumpaper, ink
Dimensionsoverall H 18 in x W 14 in (45.7 cm x 35.6 cm )
Physical DescriptionA World War II U.S. conservation poster. The color poster features the character Joe Palooka, a heavyweight boxing champion and U.S. Army private first class, in a comic strip titled, “P.F.C. JOE PALOOKA” by cartoonist Ham Fisher. Across 12 panels, the comic depicts Joe and his buddy, Jerry Leemy, stranded over thirty miles from camp after their jeep breaks down due to poor Jerry’s poor maintenance of the vehicle. As they walk back to camp, Jerry discards his heavy backpack, only to realize he is now missing essential supplies and equipment. Joe shares his rations with Jerry while emphasizing the importance of conserving Army supplies. The artist’s facsimile signature is in the last panel: “HAM FISHER.”
In the bottom margin of the poster is the U.S. Army Conservation Program “SAVE” logo and small text that reads: “U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1945—O-633400 / 'PFC. JOE PALOOKA' / ARMY CONSERVATION PROJECT No. 146-P-20.” The poster also includes posting and distribution instructions.
Additional DetailsIn the bottom margin of the poster is the U.S. Army Conservation Program “SAVE” logo and small text that reads: “U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1945—O-633400 / 'PFC. JOE PALOOKA' / ARMY CONSERVATION PROJECT No. 146-P-20.” The poster also includes posting and distribution instructions.
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)
Not on view