War Bonds and Old Time Radio: Paying For WWII

World War II was a time that opened up technological advances in machines, weaponry and other equipment. The manpower involved in Europe and the Pacific Theater was incredible in terms of time and money. Ships, tanks, places, guns, uniforms, radios, training, food, and a vast array of other economic expenditures required the money to pay for everything. taxes xcould not be relied upon because a good portion of the country was gone fighting and taxes were being used for domestic issues. So where did the green come from to pay Uncle Sam for maintaining the war necessities? War Bonds. These paper goods put out by the government was an investment into the “now” of the 1940’s with the dividends to become payable later on down the road.

Newsreels were a mainstay in getting the word out to Mr and Mrs. America to buy bonds, but not the only means. Old Time Radio played a huge part in reaching people from sea to shining sea (makes me want to break out in song) about the importance in supporting America’s fighting forces in bringing down Hitler and the Rising Sun.

Radio Programs were greatly involved in showcasing ways to get the message out for purchasing war bonds. Shows like “These Are Our Men”, which told the stories of some of America’s great leaders and military minds that were strategizing how to win the great war.

Along with Hollywood stars and singers as special guests, the show educated, entertained and illuminated the audience about the men that made a difference in the war and to engender a greater patriotism by buying the bonds that would pay for the battles.

Franklin D Roosevelt and Frank Sinatra (12-2-1944)

In this program from “These Are Our Men”, the President’s life was the storyline. From his days as a boy to his time in college, Roosevelt’s life played out with humor, tragedy and dedication to public service. Franklyn was one that always stood up for the “underdog” and married his sixth cousin, directly related to former President Teddy Roosevelt. The program goes on to illustrate how Roosevelt could take a simple phrase and make it a memorable quotation. He would use his eloquence to share how America was involved in a war that would draw Americans together and would see victory. William Adams characterized Roosevelt with amazing clarity and truth made the President come alive to all that listened. Frank sinatra came out and shared about his work history and then to encourage everyone to go out buy war bonds. By using personal appeal to the heartstrings of Americans in reminding everyone how the bonds would have a great impact in young lives serving the country.

Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz and Jack Benny (2-3-1945)

“These Are Our Men” was sponsored by a watch company, but its purpose was to sell war bonds. Jack Benny shared of his time to get Americans to get out and buy the war bonds. These bonds were important in keeping the supply lines to our American troops open with the best in equipment and other needs.The focus on Chester Nimitz began with Tokyo Rose heckling the troops and naval forces in the Pacific. The host used this look at the traitorous words of Japan’s leading propagandist to “educate” her on one of America’s most infamous naval commanders. Chester Nimitz came from lowly means in Texas and was a lad that was proud of his beginnings and his family home. When a stranger came to the hotel his family owned and tried to disparage the overnight facility, Chester stood up to him and began to defend with pride where he resided. His grandpa intervened and cheered him on for standing up for his convictions. As a boy, Nimitz wanted to join the navy and command. This continued on to portray Nimitz with his naval legacy. The story behind Chester Nimitz added to the regimen of pushing the need for Americans to buy war bonds.

Besides “These Are Our Men”, other patriotic radio programs were broadcast with their own message, but with the same end result...to get Americans to aid in the war by buying war bonds.

Programs like “Treasury Salute” and “Time Out” were weekly stops for millions of Americans needing a boost in their morale and patriotic fervor. The cry was for purchasing and holding on the bonds. This eventually paid off as American victories were realized in Europe and against Japan. Troops would be coming home and families reunited. All of this came about by the resilience of that generation and the generous response of so many to contribute by buying war bonds.

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Old Time Radio Shows

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