This poster was created by Valentino Sarra who moved from Milan to the United States in 1921, ultimately becoming a hugely successful commercial photographer, working mainly for magazines. During World War II, he produced poster designs for the various agencies whose propaganda was coordinated by the Office of War Information. This was one of several he designed for the Office of Defense Transportation established in December 1941 soon after the entry of the United States into the war with the aim of organizing all domestic transport in favor of the war effort. The agency issued numerous posters like this one urging civilians to avoid unnecessary travel to conserve vehicles and resources for the military. The composition is based on a photograph of a woman carrying her groceries, possibly by Sarra, superimposed over one of a shadowy battalion of American soldiers carrying their packs and weapons.