Loose Lips Might Sink Ships - American WW2 Propaganda Print

🔐 The Message:

The phrase "Loose Lips Might Sink Ships" was a warning to Americans that careless talk could lead to disaster, especially about:

• Military movements

• Troop locations

• Shipping schedules

• War production details

Even seemingly harmless conversations could be overheard by enemy spies or sympathizers, and that information could be deadly.

🧠 Origin & Use:

• The slogan was created by the War Advertising Council as part of a broader campaign for the Office of War Information (OWI).

• It was one of many phrases used to promote secrecy and caution, along with others like:

  • “Careless Talk Costs Lives”

  • “Keep It Under Your Hat”

  • “Don’t discuss troop movements”

🖼️ How It Was Spread:

• Posters in shipyards, offices, train stations, and public spaces

• Radio announcements and magazine ads

• Leaflets and workplace signage

One of the most iconic posters features a sinking ship with the words "Loose Lips Might Sink Ships" in bold, striking typeface—simple, direct, and dramatic

💥 The Risk:

The U.S. was fighting a naval war in the Atlantic, and German U-boats were sinking Allied ships, especially those carrying troops or supplies. Any leaked details about ship movements or departure times could lead to deadly ambushes at sea.

😳 Why It Mattered:

In 1942, the FBI arrested eight German spies who had secretly landed on U.S. beaches via submarine as part of Operation Pastorius. Their mission? Sabotage American industry and infrastructure. The incident terrified U.S. officials, proving that real German agents were already operating inside the country—and making the need for silence very real.

🧠 Legacy:

The phrase has endured long after the war—it’s still used today to mean “watch what you say”, especially in sensitive situations.