This Man May Die - Large

Created in 1942 by photographer Valentino Sarra, “If You Talk Too Much, This Man May Die” is a powerful American World War II poster warning against careless conversation. Issued as Office of War Information Poster No. 6 and printed by the U.S. Government Printing Office, it was part of the government’s campaign to prevent sensitive military information from reaching the enemy. Contemporary government records identify Sarra as the illustrator and date the poster to 1942. The design uses a color photograph of a U.S. Navy sailor looking through a ship’s porthole. The sailor has been identified in archival records as Joe Haworth. By focusing on the face of an individual serviceman rather than a battle scene, Sarra makes the warning personal: careless discussion of ship movements or military operations could place actual American lives at risk. The poster was part of the broader “careless talk” campaign used throughout World War II. Its simple message—“if you talk too much / THIS MAN MAY DIE”—was intended to remind civilians and military personnel that seemingly innocent conversations could reveal information useful to enemy agents.Valentino Sarra (1903–1982) was an Italian-born American photographer and filmmaker known for his commercial and advertising photography. His photographic approach gives this poster an immediacy that distinguishes it from the many illustrated propaganda posters produced during the war.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.