They've Got the Guts - Give Em More Firepower

This powerful World War II propaganda poster, titled They’ve Got the Guts… Give ’Em More Firepower, is a striking example of American wartime graphic communication designed to galvanize support for the troops overseas. Dean Cornwell captures a moment of intense battlefield action, with a determined American infantryman firing forward while a paratrooper, freshly landed beneath the canopy of his parachute, braces himself in the chaos of combat. The dramatic composition, kinetic movement, and bold typography work together to create an urgent and emotionally charged appeal. The slogan acknowledges the courage of American servicemen while calling on the home front to provide the weapons and industrial support necessary to secure victory. Posters such as this were instrumental in encouraging war bond purchases, military production, and public morale during the Second World War.Dean Cornwell (1892–1960) was one of America’s most celebrated illustrators, often referred to as the “Dean of Illustrators.” Renowned for his dynamic narrative compositions and masterful handling of light, form, and human drama, Cornwell created illustrations for major publications including Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, Redbook, and Good Housekeeping. His work also extended into mural painting and wartime propaganda, where his ability to convey heroism and action made him especially effective. Cornwell’s painterly realism and cinematic compositions helped define American illustration in the first half of the twentieth century, and his wartime posters remain among the most compelling graphic works of the era.This is an Original Vintage Poster, it is not a reproduction. This poster is conservation mounted, linen backed and in excellent condition. We guarantee the authenticity of all our posters.