Precision Teamwork Means Precision Bombing

This original World War II poster was issued by the U.S. Army Air Forces Aircraft Identification Section in September 1942 as part of a campaign emphasizing teamwork and accuracy in American strategic bombing operations. The poster shows a bomber crew gathered around an aerial photograph while an officer identifies their objective. A large red target carries the message: “Hit that target — not the city... not the town but the vital nerve center!... the heart of the Focke-Wulf Aircraft Plant.”The reference to Focke-Wulf is particularly significant. The German aircraft manufacturer produced some of the Luftwaffe's most important combat aircraft, including the FW 190 fighter, making its factories important targets for Allied strategic bombing. The poster reflects the U.S. Army Air Forces' doctrine of daylight precision bombing, which sought to concentrate attacks on specific military and industrial targets rather than surrounding population centers.Printed in September 1942 and identified at the lower right as “Poster No. 1206 9/42 / Aircraft Identification Section DIT – AAF,” the poster was produced at a pivotal point in the air war. The U.S. Eighth Air Force had begun its daylight bombing campaign over occupied Europe only the previous month.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.