Enter Subtitle Here
Isaac K. Notestine, a Sturgis resident who fought in World War II, brought home some propaganda he gathered during the war.
Both the Allied and Axis powers used propaganda. Leaflets were usually dropped from a plane. It was psychological warfare to weaken or wear down soldiers, especially the young. The hope was the opposing soldiers would give up and surrender.
The German leaflets Isaac brought back were targeted for soldiers fighting in Italy, where he was stationed. Allied soldiers would collect and trade them.
This particular leaflet caught my attention. On the front is a beautiful colorful Italian scene that says “The Po is waiting for you.”
Inside is a large black and white drawing of a skeleton holding a British and American helmet in each hand. In the background is a battle scene of men in boats being blown up.
