page_title: Barbara Lauwers
section_title: Propaganda
hierarchical_section_title: Barbara Lauwers / Propaganda
caption_attribution_description: English: Image of propaganda toilet paper used in WWII.
context_page_description: Barbara Lauwers, later known as Barbara Lauwers Podoski, was a corporal in the Women’s Army Corps and won the Bronze Star after one of her operations led to the defection of 600 soldiers from behind Italian lines and the withdrawal of their support from the Germans. She was stationed at the Office of Strategic Services Morale Operations headquarters in Rome, Italy.
context_section_description: League of Lonely Hearts Letter (Translated):
  Summer 1944
  
  Dear frontline soldier!
  
  When will you have leave again?
  
  When will you be able to forget your arduous soldier's duties for a while, for a few days of joy, happiness and love? We at home know of your heroic struggle. We understand that even the bravest gets tired sometime and need a soft pillow, tenderness and healthy enjoyment.
  
  WE ARE WAITING FOR YOU: For you who must spend your leave in a foreign town; for you whom the war has deprived of a home; for you who is alone in the world without a wife, fiancée or a flirt.
  
  WE ARE WAITING FOR YOU: Cut our symbol from this letter. In every coffee shop, in every bar near a railway station, place it on your glass so that it can be clearly seen. A member of our VEK will soon contact you. The dreams you had at the front, and the longings of your lonely nights, will be fulfilled... We want you, not your money. Therefore, you should always show our membership card (to anyone who may approach you). There are members everywhere, because we women understand our duties to the homeland and to its defenders.
  
  We are, of course, are selfish too - we have been separated from our men for many years. With all those foreigners around us, we would like once more to press a real German youth to our bosom. No inhibitions now: Your wife, sister, or lover is one of us as well.
  
  We think of you and Germany's future. Which rests - rusts.
  
  Association of Lonely War Women.
caption: MO Toilet Paper. Originated from psywar
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