Skip to main content
Collections Menu
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

Artifact IDMO 2005.13.21.41
Object Type Poster
Maker (American, founded 1861)
Issuing Body (American, 1907 - 1986)
Issuing Body (American, 1789 - 1947)
Date1943
Mediumpaper
Dimensionsoverall H 22 in x W 14 in (55.9 cm x 35.6 cm )
Physical DescriptionA color poster featuring a caricature of a Nazi officer with his hat raising off his head as he gives an expression of extreme surprise. White and red text at the bottom of the poster reads: SILENCE MEANS surprise. Printed by the U.S. Government Printing Office. Poster 1943-O-539261. W.D., A.G.O., "Surprise" SECURITY POSTER.
Additional Details
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 StatusUnrestricted
CopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view