Skip to product information
1 of 1

It's My Right To Fight for America - Hawaii

It's My Right To Fight for America - Hawaii

ID# 13902
Robert Jones
1944
16" x 20"
(41cm x 51cm)
Regular price $4,500 USD
Regular price Sale price $4,500 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

This historically important and exceptionally rare poster was created to encourage Japanese Americans to enlist in the 442nd Infantry Regiment, which would become the most highly decorated regiment in US history for its size. This poster was exclusively printed and advertised in Hawaii.

One of the darkest parts of American involvement in WWII was the government's treatment of Japanese American civilians at home. During the length of the war, over 127,000 citizens were placed into concentration camps over unfounded fears of spy programs and other conspiracies. Qualification for being placed in a camp rested solely on heritage and deep-seated prejudice, and families were forcibly detained and torn apart. In geographically remote Hawaii, there was an even higher percentage of the population that was of Japanese descent, and Executive Order 9066 was slightly less enforced than on the mainland. While less likely to be imprisoned, Japanese-Americans in Hawaii were forcibly required to speak English and enlist in the fight overseas. This poster was created to pressure as many of these citizens to enlist as possible.

The 442nd Infantry Regiment was almost entirely composed of second generation Japanese American soldiers ("Nisei" in Japanese). When it was formed in 1944, about 2,700 soldiers came to the regiment from Hawaii, and 1,500 came from camps. It eventually grew to about 12,000 soldiers and all were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. The Regiment was awarded over 4,000 Purple Hearts and 4,000 Bronze Star Medals for their bravery and service.

Robert M. Jones (1913-1994) was an American graphic designer, printmaker, and illustrator. Like many artists, he created posters for the US Government during WWII. Scroll through here to see some photos of him at work on this poster and others in the 1940s. He later worked as the Art Director for Columbia Records from 1945-1953, (Following Alex Steinweiss) then worked for RCA Victor and other labels. He was awarded six Grammy Awards for his record cover designs.

This is an Original Vintage Poster; it is not a reproduction. This poster is on paper and is in excellent condition. We guarantee the authenticity of all of our posters.

Shipping Info

We ship internationally and insure all deliveries. Learn about our methods for shipping & more.

FAQs

See answers to our most common questions, here

Looking to Sell?

We are always interested in acquiring special pieces. Let's get in touch!

View full details
Orangina Vintage Posters

What Does 'Original' Mean?

We only deal in original vintage posters, never reproductions. This means that every poster is from the original print run, in the year listed in the description. Everything we sell comes with an individually signed certificate of authenticity, which we fully guarantee.

Learn More
  • If there's anything you want to know about posters, vintage or more modern, there's nothing Mr Ross doesn't know. His open and friendly manner helps one to choose the most suitable material whether for decoration, investment or whatever... I can't recommend him highly enough.

    - Simon

  • Just wanted to say thanks for the poster. You sent it on Thursday and it was delivered the following Monday (nearly quicker than it took us to get home) to our house in Perth, Australia. We have just had it framed. We love it; it goes perfectly with the room.

    - Kasia & David

  • The Ross Gallery has the best selection of vintage posters I have ever seen. Seriously, if you are in the market, they are the people. And, they know everything there is to know about the posters' provenance.

    - James