WORLD WAR II TRAINING POSTERS: BATTLING JAPANESE TANKS (Three)

Virginia: U.S. ARMY 64TH ENGINEER TOPOGRAPHIC BATTALION (USAFICPA), 1944. Poster. Good Plus. Three informational (propaganda) posters in a series, comprising 4009-1; 4009-2; and 4009-7, each measuring approximately 17 1/2" x 11 1/2". Each of the three shows a central fold crease, and one shows considerable smudging or perhaps dry mold; each is now protected in a stiff, archival sleeve. Bottom corner of each reads "Reproduced by 64th Engr. Top. Bn USAFICPA" followed by the graphic number. We're guessing that these posters did not come out of the far larger mapping divisions in the Topographic Battalion, but were from the "Graphic Arts and Distribution" division, domiciled in Virginia. The artist for each is "BRAD".

4009-1 depicts a tank surrounded by attacking Japanese soldiers who are attemptng to overrun the tank, lobbing grenades, etc. but who are repelled, ostensibly, because, well, it's a tank, and the fact that the soldiers in the tank are prepared. The caption in the top right corner reads: "'STOP THE JAP"/Infantry Troops Should Always be Ready and Able/ to Stop the Enemy from/ Swarming over Our Tanks!"

4009-2 diagrams relative positions of squad placement whose job is to accompany the tank. The caption below reads: "PROTECTING YOUR TANK" In Thick Country, with No Enemy Contact -- about Half a Squad should Accompany the Tank Very Closely (5 Yds.) and the Remainder Following Close Support You Must Be His Eyes Thru the Jungle and the Spotter for His Fire.....(Ancillary note follows at bottom reminding that these spotter scouts are guiding the movement of the tanks through the undergrowth).

4009-7 shows "TANKS OVERRUNNING ENEMY POSITION": Infantrymen Advancing for the Mop-Up while their Buddies Cover Both Them and the Tanks by Fire. Notice Air Burst Artillery on the Enemy Position Giving the Tanks Additional Protection by Preventing Any Effective Anti-Tank Activity by the Japs.". USAFICPA (US Army Forces in the Central Pacific Area). BECAME USAFPOA (United States Army Forces Pacific Ocean Areas) on AUGUST 1, 1944. USAFICPA (US Army Forces in the Central Pacific Area). BECAME USAFPOA (United States Army Forces Pacific Ocean Areas) on AUGUST 1, 1944.