Print, Photographic

Print. Black and white photographic print of a window display at the J.L. Hudson Company Department Store. A large mural of three Merchant Marines standing around an affixed artillery gun is featured in the display; right of the mural are two ventilation pipes with signage depicting the Merchant Fleet. Recruitment signage is visible at the foot of the mural. Signage affixed to either side of the mural boast letters from General Dwight D. Eisenhower and Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. Eisenhower's letter reads, "Every man in this Allied Command is which to express his admiration for the loyalty, courage and fortitude of the officers and men of the Merchant Marine. We count upon their efficiency and their utter devotion to duty as we do our own; they have never failed us yet and in all the struggles yet to come we know that they will never be deterred by any danger, hardships, or privation. When final victory is ours there is no organization that will share its credit more deservedly than the Merchant Marine. General Dwight D. Eisenhower." The letter from Admiral Nimitz reads, "The sea lanes of the Pacific extended westward more than 4,000 miles in the last year, are crowded with merchant ships supporting our offensive against Japan. Without these ships wholly devoted to winning the war, our substantial progress would not have been possible. This war has fully confirmed the necessity for a strong and sound merchant marine in time of peace so that it may be employed as an auxiliary of the Army and Navy in time of war. The convincing way in which this fundamental fact has been demonstrated in the Pacific is a tribute to the ability and patriotism of the American Merchant Marine and augurs well for the future. Admiral Chester W. Nimitz." The date, photographic sequence number and photographer's name are printed on the bottom of the recto, "19-12-44; 22013-x; Davis B. Hillmer."