Thats the spot to hit! Give us the stuff and we'll hit it!
Artist
John Philip Falter
(American, 1910 - 1982)
Date1944
Object number00008028
NamePoster
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 1017 x 726 mm, 0.05 kg
ClassificationsPosters and postcards
Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionAn illustrated poster depicting Admiral Chester W Nimitz, Commander in Chief of the Pacific, pointing to a map outlining the target zone of Japan and giving the punchy expression 'That's the spot to hit'. This World War II poster was issued by the Industrial Incentive Division of the US Naval Reserve. It commands the American public to support the war campaign by increasing industrial productivity on the home front, one of the key messages of war posters.HistoryAmerica officially entered the arena of World War II after the Japanese attacked the Hawaiian base Pearl Harbour. The 8am morning raid left American forces significantly weakened, resulting in the loss of 2403 lives and the destruction of large amounts of military equipment and hardware. This attack was felt deeply by the American public and many propaganda posters depicted Japan in a negative light as the primary enemy.
Chester W Nimitz was a respected Navy Admiral during World War II and played a significant role in battle of the Pacific. He became Chief of the Bureau of Navigation in June 1939 and held the position during the years leading up to Americas entry into the war. After the attack on Pearl Harbour he was given the rank of Admiral and commanded the entire Pacific Fleet, except for a section in the southwest Pacific under General MacArthur. In December 1944 Nimitz became Fleet Admiral and led American naval forces until the end of the war.
SignificanceThis poster represents how war personalities were used to build public support for the war in the Pacific.
