John Falter Painting for Victory

Pilot Joe Ross, painted by John Falter, from the "Esquire" series depicting heroic devotion to duty

Pilot Joe Ross, painted by John Falter, from the "Esquire" series depicting heroic devotion to duty
Courtesy History Nebraska, RG2608-1265

John Falter was a Nebraska artist who applied his talents to the war effort, producing numerous recruiting and incentive posters while on active duty with the U.S. Naval Reserve.

Born in Plattsmouth and raised in Falls City, Falter gained fame for his cover illustrations for the Saturday Evening Post. Throughout the war, he continued to work as a free-lance commercial artist, though most of his commercial works also addressed patriotic themes.

Between 1942 and 1946, Falter produced a body of work impressive both in volume and variety. He completed 34 major paintings for Saturday Evening Post, Look, and Esquire, and over 300 are recruiting and incentives posters for the Navy. Among his major works were portraits of General Mark Clark, Admiral William Halsey, and Lieutenant Clark Gable — all for Look — and a series of 12 paintings for Esquire. The Esquire series was commissioned to depict "heroic devotion to duty by members of America’s armed forces." Writer Paul Gallico described the deeds of valor portrayed by Falter’s paintings. Seven of the original Esquire paintings now belong to the Nebraska State Historical Society.

John Falter WAVES Recruiting Posters

Detail of John Falter in his studio, photographed by Jay Wiley

Detail of John Falter in his studio, photographed by Jay Wiley
Courtesy History Nebraska, RG2608-1265

Our cameras visited John Falter in Philadelphia and back home in Falls City, NE just before he died in 1982. Note: The first part of this segment is silent.
From the 1982 NET program A View from the Standpipe

World War II U.S. Recruiting Poster by John Falter: (Western Union telegram about wounded soldier) "That was the day I joined the WAVES"

World War II U.S. Recruiting Poster by John Falter: (Western Union telegram about wounded soldier) "That was the day I joined the WAVES"
Courtesy Naval History and Heritage Command, 70-623-r

After the war, Falter continued to produce illustrations for major magazines. He eventually produced over 200 Saturday Evening Post covers depicting a wide range of American historical themes. He was also a musician, and had an opportunity to paint portraits of jazz idols like Louis Armstrong and Art Tatum. He was devoted to all of his subjects. Falter once said, "If you are not in love with what you are trying to put on canvas, you had better quit." He died in Philadelphia in 1982. His widow, Mary Elizabeth Falter Jones, donated many of his paintings, papers, and studio furnishings to the Nebraska State Historical Society in 1982.

World War II U.S. Recruiting Poster by John Falter: "It's a Woman's War Too! Join the Waves"

World War II U.S. Recruiting Poster by John Falter: "It's a Woman's War Too! Join the Waves"
Courtesy Naval History and Heritage Command, 81-156-AW
World War II U.S. Recruiting Poster by John Falter: "Wish I could join too! Serve your country in the WAVES"

World War II U.S. Recruiting Poster by John Falter: "Wish I could join too! Serve your country in the WAVES"
Courtesy Naval History and Heritage Command, 81-156-n
World War II U.S. Recruiting Poster by John Falter: "Bring him home sooner . . . Join the WAVES"

World War II U.S. Recruiting Poster by John Falter: "Bring him home sooner . . . Join the WAVES"
Courtesy Naval History and Heritage Command, 81-156-av

Watch the following short 'History Moments' video about Robert Henri and John Falter.

World War II U.S. Recruiting Poster by John Falter: "Don’t miss your great opportunity . . . The Navy needs you in the WAVES"

World War II U.S. Recruiting Poster by John Falter: "Don’t miss your great opportunity . . . The Navy needs you in the WAVES"
Courtesy Naval History and Heritage Command, 70-623-i
World War II U.S. Recruiting Poster by John Falter: "To Make Men Free. . . you will share the gratitude of a nation when victory is ours. . . Enlist in the WAVES today"

World War II U.S. Recruiting Poster by John Falter: "To Make Men Free. . . you will share the gratitude of a nation when victory is ours. . . Enlist in the WAVES today"
Courtesy Naval History and Heritage Command, 70-623-g
World War II U.S. Recruiting Poster by John Falter: "Have you got what it takes to fill an important job like this? Enlist in the WAVES"

World War II U.S. Recruiting Poster by John Falter: "Have you got what it takes to fill an important job like this? Enlist in the WAVES"
Courtesy Naval History and Heritage Command, 81-156-l
World War II U.S. Recruiting Poster by John Falter: "He'll be home sooner . . . now you’ve joined the WAVES"

World War II U.S. Recruiting Poster by John Falter: "He'll be home sooner . . . now you’ve joined the WAVES"
Courtesy Naval History and Heritage Command, 81-156-ar
World War II U.S. Recruiting Poster by John Falter: "Proud — I’ll say"

World War II U.S. Recruiting Poster by John Falter: "Proud — I’ll say"
Courtesy Naval History and Heritage Command, 81-156-W
World War II U.S. Recruiting Poster by John Falter: "Will your name be there? WAVES Honor Roll"

World War II U.S. Recruiting Poster by John Falter: "Will your name be there? WAVES Honor Roll"
Courtesy Naval History and Heritage Command, 70-623-q
World War II U.S. Recruiting Poster by John Falter

World War II U.S. Recruiting Poster by John Falter
Courtesy Naval History and Heritage Command, 45-127-t