Content note: Shows a Japanese soldier with a raised sword, shot and falling, in the printed wartime style of the sheet. This object is shown as it was published. Why
Clean weapons shoot straight
Army conservation poster: a helmeted rifleman fires from cover in jungle foliage while a Japanese officer with a raised sword falls, hit. An inset panel lists small-arms cleaning and handling rules beside two cans of oil and rifle-bore cleaner. The picture ties clean weapons to surviving a charge; the panel carries the practical instructions.
Propaganda techniques used in this poster
- Date
- 1944
- Period
- Second World War
- Made by
- U.S. Army, Army Conservation Program (Save)
- Region
- North America
- Country
- United States
- Medium
- Poster
- Issuer type
- Military
- Regime
- Roosevelt Administration
- Leader
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
- Audience
- Own forces
- Purpose
- Mobilize or secure compliance
- Theme
- War and the military
- Event
- World War II
- Regime
- Roosevelt administration
- Leader
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
- Source
- Identified Openly sourced: the speaker is who they say they are
- Source
- U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, Record Group 44, World War II Posters, retrieved October 4, 2026
- Rights
- Public domain (U.S. government work)
U.S. Army. National Archives and Records Administration, RG 44, 44-PA-582 (NAID 514062).
Text on the object
Clean Weapons Shoot Straight Get this Straight too . . . Daily care of SMALL ARMS is the IMPORTANT THING! Clean and Oil Regularly . . . Always clean after firing and for three successive days thereafter. Never let a weapon remain wet or dirty. Clean and oil at once to prevent rust. (Don't forget the clips and magazines.) Handle and Ship Carefully . . . Don't drop, bang, or throw weapons. Never tinker or try unauthorized repairs or adjustments. Before storing or shipping, apply Compound, Rust-Preventive, Light. Store in a dry place. When shipping, rack weapons individually in crate. Never throw together. USE THESE THEY FIT IN YOUR CARTRIDGE BELT [can label:] POISON NOT TO BE USED AS FOOD CONTAINER 2 OZ. PL OIL, LUBRICATING PRESERVATIVE SPECIAL USA 2-120 PG NO (28-024) 44 4073 [can label:] POISON DO NOT USE AS FOOD CONTAINER 2 OZ. CLEANER RIFLE BORE USA 2-117 SHAKE WELL BEFORE USING PG NO (28-024) 44-40 700-2 U.S. ARMY SAVE CONSERVATION PROGRAM ARMY CONSERVATION PROJECT NO. 120-O-20. [imprint: U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1944—O—619350] DISTRIBUTION—Continental: AAF (2); AGF (2); ASF (2); C in barracks (6), in tents or hutments (1); F in barracks (6), in tents or hutments (1); Overseas: Special Distribution
