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"Mosquitoes Enlist Today" Vintage WWII Navy Recruitment Poster, 1941

Offered by: The Great Republic

Description
Presented is an original WWII United States Navy recruitment poster from 1941. The poster highlights the distinct role of PT boats during wartime. The poster reads “‘Mosquitos’... Dashing through the Seas at express train speed, The Navy’s P-T Boats protect our shores and pack a sting….Enlist today” in red, navy, and white text. A central image of a PT boat speeding through coastal waters against an almost turquoise sky is augmented with three smaller black and white images of PT boats surveilling near New York City, the Statue of Liberty, and open waters.

Armed with torpedoes and machine guns, PT boats were effective as high-speed attack boats against ships much larger than themselves. Purposely built as small and fast vessels, the PT boats squadrons were nicknamed "the mosquito fleet" by the Japanese. Operating in three major theaters of theaters of war, PT boats were used effectively to lay mines and smoke screens, to rescue downed aviators, and to carry out intelligence or raider operations. They were also used for short range oceanic scouting, cutting enemy supply lines, and harassing enemy forces. Close to 350 PT boats served in the Pacific theater, 42 in the Mediterranean, and 33 in the English Channel. PT-boat officers and enlisted men garnered a Medal of Honor, 22 Navy Crosses, 3 Distinguished Service Crosses, a Distinguished Service Medal, and numerous Silver Stars.

CONDITION:

Very good condition. Paper is healthy, with full margins. "NRB-31165-12-23-41-15M" printed at bottom center and "#433" printed at bottom right. Archivally framed in a custom-built wooden frame.

Framed Dimensions: 15 1/4"H x 18 1/4"W x 3/4"D

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.

More Information

Period:	1920-1949
Creation Date:	1941
Styles / Movements:	Modernism
Incollect Reference #:	764081

Dimensions

W.	18.25 in;	H.	15.25 in;	D.	0.75 in;
W.	46.36 cm;	H.	38.74 cm;	D.	1.91 cm;

Message from Seller:

Established in 2010, The Great Republic specializes in one-of-a-kind collectibles that honor American history, with a special focus on the rare and unique. Our collection is complete with rarities that are sure to wow, such as first edition books, antique hand-sewn flags from the Civil War, vintage travel posters, and original signatures from American presidents, such as George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, just to name a few. P: 719.471.6157 E: headquarters@great-republic.com