Arago: Patriotic Covers

"America Needs Your Help"

An Army censor passed this serviceman's letter, sent under Free Franking, on to be processed by the Army Post Office (APO). Postmarked U. S. Army Postal Service, A.P.O. 380, April 27, 1945. At the time of mailing, A.P.O. 380 was in use at Dijon, France by the 36th General Hospital. It was sent from 36 General Hospital, A.P.O. 513, New York, New York.

Jacques Minkus produced the cachet. It was one of a series of World War II patriotic envelopes and stationery that were widely sold through Gimbles department stores, in military base exchanges, and dime stores. Minkus, a refugee to Germany of Polish descent, left Germany during the rise of Hitler and eventually immigrated to the U.S. in 1929.

Sherman Catalog: 411

Reference

U.S. Patriotic Covers of WWII