Subject: Prints - Military - World War II
Period: 1945 (circa)
Publication:
Color: Printed Color
This lot contains two well-preserved leaflets issued by the Psychological Warfare Branch of the U.S. Army. The back of each leaflet contains Japanese text from an Allied perspective, and is accompanied by an additional page of text with the official English translation.
A. [Peace in Europe], (4.4 x 7.2"). This leaflet is coded "28-J-1" and was intended for all Japanese troops. It depicts a soldier sitting on a log regarding news that the European theater of the war has ended. A portion of the text on back reads "The greatest European war in history, which turned the continent into a scene of carnage, is now over. The bells of peace are ringing far and wide." See images for complete text.
B. ["The Shadow of the Officer Is Great"], dated 1945 (5.6 x 8.3"). This leaflet is coded "119-J-1" and was intended for Japanese officers. It depicts a silhouette of a Japanese officer with various field officer insignia in the background. A sample of the text on verso reads "The Battle of the Philippines is drawing to a close. Iwo Jima has fallen. Okinawa has been invaded. ... We urge that you officers, who are responsible for the fate of the men of your command, should act with prudence and decision."
References:
Condition: A
Remarkable condition considering their intended use with small staple holes at top. A few additional tiny holes in the first leaflet are only visible when held to light. Accompanying text pages are fine.