Ohioans made valuable contributions to the war effort by generously contributing to war bond drives and by participating in civil defense. Citizens were encouraged to contribute 10 percent of their pay toward the purchase of war bonds. Eight nationwide campaigns, beginning in June 1942, raised $135 billion. Small-denomination series "E" bonds accounted for almost 30 percent of the total bonds sold. War bonds provided the government with money to pay for the huge cost of arming a nation. Ohioans purchased $9,805,975,000 worth of bonds, an average of $1,420 per Ohio resident.

Americans saw this symbol all over the nation during the war. Eight nationwide campaigns raised $135 billion for the war effort.