Original Item. Only One Available. Concerns about national security intensify in wartime. During World War II, the Government alerted citizens to the presence of enemy spies and saboteurs lurking just below the surface of American society. "Careless talk" posters warned people that small snippets of information regarding troop movements or other logistical details would be useful to the enemy. Well-meaning citizens could easily compromise national security and soldiers' safety with careless talk.

“Words are ammunition. Each word an American utters either helps or hurts the war effort. He must stop rumors. He must challenge the cynic and the appeaser. He must not speak recklessly. He must remember that the enemy is listening.”

-Government Information Manual for the Motion Picture Industry Office of War Information

This is a gorgeous WWII poster titled “The Battle - Wise Infantryman” It depicts a soldier in his M1 helmet holding his M1 Garand rifle, telling the viewer that he is careful about what he says or writes, encouraging everyday Americans to do the same. The poster was designed by Jes Wilhelm Schlaikjer.

Jes Wilhelm Schlaikjer (1897-1982) began his professional career while still in high school painting for a Chicago newspaper. He continued his studies at Ecole Des Beaux Arts as well as the School of the Art Institute, where he studied under Robert Henri. His paintings graced the covers of many of the popular magazines of the time including, Scribner's, Collier's, American Legion Monthly, Redbook, Woman's Home Companion, and Cosmopolitan. He taught at the National Academy of Design, and later at the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts.

In 1942, he was recruited by the United States War Department as a poster artist. He created many posters with a variety of themes during the war, which are highly sought after by collectors. He also served as a portraitist for military leaders including, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Douglas MacArthur, and George S. Patton. These portraits now hang in the National War College in Washington, D.C. Schlaikjer is most known for his many recruitment posters during World War II. His academic painterly style was popular at the time and helped convey the realism of the messaging.

The poster measures 20 x 28” and is in good condition with just normal fold markings and some small tears along the edges. The color is retained very well, and this is a great candidate for framing!

Comes ready to mount, frame and display!