Harry V. Lawson Tattoos a Man, 1941

In an interview, Lawson said, "Renewed interest in tattooing, which is world-wide, is due to the war in Europe." Japan bombed Pearl Harbor nine months later.

The article went on, "...Army and Navy authorities have put their collective foot down, insisting that stenciled figures be properly clothed.... Seaman Sam and his colleagues nevertheless are revisiting tattoo shops to have craftsmen erase all traces of nudity by adding a skirt or dress."

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