Forensic Research Archive of Manipulation and Exploitation
Silence means security, 1942 US poster: Colour photographic poster

Silence means security

Colour photographic poster: a woman in a Women's Army Auxiliary Corps uniform and hat with eagle badge holds a finger to her lips and looks at the viewer. Caption 'Silence means security' between two stars. Transfer: the uniform and badge give the request for silence the standing of the service.

Propaganda techniques used in this poster

Transfer
Date
1942
Period
Second World War
Made by
War Department (WAAC security poster)
Region
North America
Country
United States
Medium
Poster
Issuer type
Military
Regime
Roosevelt Administration
Leader
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Audience
Own forces
Purpose
Warn or inform
Themes
War and the military, Security and surveillance, Gender and suffrage
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)
War Department. National Archives and Records Administration, RG 44, 44-PA-1748A (NAID 515420).

Text on the object

Original (English) · read from the image, not independently checked

* SILENCE MEANS SECURITY *
[imprint: "WAAC" Security Poster]
[imprint: U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFF]

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