THE FIVE SULLIVAN BROTHERS ORIGINAL GOVERNMENT POSTER (1943)

HISTORY: The five Sullivan brothers were World War II sailor brothers of Irish American descent who, serving together on the light cruiser USS Juneau, were all killed in action in and shortly after its sinking around November 13, 1942. The five brothers, the sons of Thomas (1883–1965) and Alleta Sullivan (1895–1972) of Waterloo, Iowa, were: George Thomas Sullivan, 27 (born December 14, 1914), Gunner's Mate Second Class (George had been previously discharged in May 1941 as Gunner's Mate Third Class.). Francis Henry "Frank" Sullivan, 26 (born February 18, 1916), Coxswain (Frank had been previously discharged in May 1941 as Seaman First Class.). Joseph Eugene "Joe" Sullivan, 24 (born August 28, 1918), Seaman Second Class. Madison Abel "Matt" Sullivan, 23 (born November 8, 1919), Seaman Second Class. Albert Leo "Al" Sullivan, 20 (born July 8, 1922), Seaman Second Class. As a direct result of the Sullivans' deaths (and the deaths of four of the Borgstrom brothers within a few months of each other two years later), the U.S. War Department adopted the Sole Survivor Policy. A museum wing has been built in honor of their service in World War II. The museum is located in downtown Waterloo, Iowa, their hometown. It was completed in 2008. The grand opening occurred on November 15, 2008. The $11.5 million, state-of-the-art facility aims to play a role in preserving the history and service of Iowa veterans and serve as a facility for research and genealogy studies. The Navy named two destroyers The Sullivans to honor the brothers: USS The Sullivans (DD-537) and USS The Sullivans (DDG-68). DD-537 was the first American Navy ship ever named after more than one person. The motto for both ships was/is "We stick together." Al Sullivan's son served on board the first USS The Sullivans. His grandmother christened the first ship. The second USS The Sullivans was christened by Al's granddaughter Kelly Ann Sullivan Loughren. Thomas and Alleta Sullivan toured the country promoting war bonds and asked that none of their sons died in vain. Genevieve, their only sister, served in the WAVES. She was the girlfriend of Bill Ball, whose death while serving on the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor prompted her brothers to join the Navy to avenge him. The brothers' story was filmed as the 1944 movie The Sullivans (later renamed The Fighting Sullivans) and inspired, at least in part, the 1998 film Saving Private Ryan. The Sullivans were also briefly mentioned in Saving Private Ryan. Offered here is an original 1943 United States Office Of War Information poster of the five Sullivan brothers, issued after their tragic deaths, used to promote the sale of War Bonds.

FULL DESCRIPTION: This is an original, paper, government issued poster which dates to 1943 picturing the five Sullivan brothers in uniform. Professionally linen backed. Bold color and print. Bold, clear image. Original fold lines slightly evident. Minor restoration at edges. Minor stain on right border. Not creased or torn. 22 1/4" x 28."