Mine America's Coal, 1944 Norman Rockwell (1894-1978) Oil on canvas Painted for the War Manpower Commission, this image was published as a poster, which read "Mine America's Coal. We'll make it hot for the enemy! See your United States Employment Service." World War II posters carried many varied messages. In addition to propaganda posters designed specifically to inspire fear of the enemy by showing atrocious acts committed by German or Japanese soldiers, many posters carried gentle and encouraging messages, such as appeals for increased farm production or conservation of resources like gasoline and food. Many posters encouraged workers in their war-related work, urging them not to take days off or leave their jobs. Some gave advice about how to become and stay healthy. Mine America's Coal showed that a middle-aged man, who was already sacrificing two children in service of the war, was willing to give even more by mining coal. Patriotism was invoked to recruit new workers for a dangerous trade. Painting for the U.S. Office of War Information poster, 1944 21 x 14 inches Norman Rockwell Museum Collection, NRM.1978.12 Licensed by Norman Rockwell Licensing Company, Niles, IL.