Fueling the War Effort

A rare historical image of three Army servicing officers refueling their Jeep at Dooley’s Service Station in Alton, Illinois, during World War II. A driveway attendant carefully rations gasoline, capturing a pivotal moment in wartime America.

 During World War II, gasoline rationing was essential to ensure that fuel was available for military operations and vital services. Drivers received windshield stickers and ration books to track their limited fuel supply—an "A" sticker allowed just 3-4 gallons per week for those deemed non-essential.

Rationing continued to play a significant role beyond WWII, notably resurfacing during the 1973 Oil Crisis, when OPEC imposed an embargo that led to fuel shortages and soaring prices. Rationing books were used again to manage petrol supplies, reminding us of the challenges of resource management.

Today’s generations are the first in living memory not to experience rationing. This T-shirt honors the resilience of those who navigated these constraints and serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible resource use.

Wear this unique piece of history and spark conversations about the past!