Series E United States Savings Bonds were government bonds marketed by the United States Department of the Treasury as war bonds during World War II from 1941 to 1945. After the war, they continued to be offered as retail investments until 1980, when they were replaced by other savings bonds. History The first savings bonds, Series A, were issued in 1935 to encourage saving during the Great Depression. They were marketed as a safe investment that was accessible to everyone. They were followed by series B, C, and D bonds over the next few years. Marketed as a defense savings bond, the first Series E bond was sold to President Franklin D. Roosevelt on May 1, 1941, by Secretary of the Treasury Henry Morgenthau. After the December 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor brought the United States into World War II, Series E bonds became known as war bonds. The "drive" technique used during World War I was replaced in part by a continual campaign using a payroll deduction plan. However, eight different drives were conducted during the campaign. In total, the overall campaign raised $185.7billion from 85million Americans, more than in any other country during the war. Li'l Abner creator Al Capp created Small Fry, a weekly newspaper comic strip whose purpose was to sell Series E bonds in support of the Treasury. Drives Of the $185.7billion raised during the continual campaign, a total of $156.4billion was raised during the eight specific drives: First War Loan Drive – November 30 through December 23, 1942. The initial goal was $9billion; the drive raised $13billion. However, only $1.6billion was raised from individuals; corporations and commercial banks accounted for the vast majority of the funds raised. Second War Loan Drive – 20 days, from April 12 through May 1, 1943. The initial goal was $13billion; the drive raised $18.5billion. Individual purchases doubled over the previous drive, due in large part to the $4.5 million and $170,000 of advertising contributed by newspapers and magazines. Third War Loan Drive – September 9 through October 1, 1943. The initial goal was $15billion, which would require a doubling of the bond sales from the prior drive, with at least 40million of the 130million American citizens needing to purchase a $100 war bond. President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed the nation via one of his fireside chats on September 8. Singer Kate Smith raised $39million during a September 21