Wisconsin Veterans Museum Research Center
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Madison, WI 53703
(608) 267-1799
veterans.museum@dva.state.wi.us
Sterling Schallert, a Watertown, Wisconsin native, served as a supply officer on LST 465 during World War II, seeing action at New Britain, the Admiralty Islands, and Leyte. LSTs (Landing Ships- Tank) transported large vehicles, as well as troops, from island to island, including some Australian soldiers. It was probably from them that he acquired the colorful and fascinating propaganda that he put in today’s featured scrapbook.
Many associate propaganda with vilifying and dehumanizing the enemy on the home front and demoralizing the enemy on the front lines by convincing them that they cannot win and will only survive through surrender.
The leaflets in Schallert’s scrapbook, however, show a different angle. The Japanese military recognized that Australian troops were out fighting while American troops were arriving in Australia to organize before joining in the fighting. This line of propaganda is aimed at the Australian soldiers and, rather than tell them that they should surrender or be killed, it takes a little more personal approach.
The leaflets warn the Aussies that while they are out fighting the Japanese, American troops are in their homes chasing their wives and sweethearts.
There are also undertones of the American government using Australian troops to soften the Japanese to minimize American casualties. Seeking to sow dissent among allies rather than demoralize the entire opposition, this propaganda is incredibly interesting. In addition to that, the vivid colors and artistry make these exceptional.
Citation: Sterling W. Schallert. Papers and photographs, 1898-2001. WVM Mss 104.
Images and Information Courtesy of Russ Horton, Reference Archivist at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum.
Entry Compiled by Meredith Lowe.
A Veteran’s Day Story
ReplyDeleteIf you liked the The Morning Joe Show video clip with Doris Kearns Goodwin discussing The Monuments Men, check these out!
Passing the Torch: A Veteran’s Day Story: Touching video clip of Robert M. Edsel discussing his last conversation with Lane S. Faison. - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLqYev6Thck
Robert M. Edsel discussing the amazing story of one of eight living Monuments Men, German born Harry Ettlinger. - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8bseBwdDds
Book Page writes, “an account that moves like a Hollywood action adventure…there are heroes to root for, villains to hiss at and an increasingly pressing race against time…Whether you’re a fan of art, military history or stories of real-life heroes, The Monuments Men is a treasure worth the hunt”. As we approach Veteran’s Day (November 11, a Wednesday), I hope your blog will profile these great heroes of civilization and share their story with your readers and supporters.
Thank You,
Robert M. Edsel
www.monumentsmen.com