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James Dietz
Born in San Francisco, Jim graduated from Art Center College of Design in 1969. He had a successful illustration career in Los Angeles and New York, with a steady flow of work ranging from automobile ads, movie posters, and romantic and historical/action book covers. By 1978, Jim and his wife had moved to Seattle, where Jim's work gradually shifted away from commercial illustration to primarily historical aviation, automotive and military art. Today his work is internationally known and collected, and his style, with its emphasis on depth of story, is recognized by collectors of historical art. His list of clients includes Boeing, Bell Helicopter, Federal Express, Allison, Cessna, Flying Tigers, the Indianapolis 500, BMW, US Air Force Documentary Art Program, Wingnut Studios, Meadowbrook and Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the National Guard and many U.S. Army organizations and associations to include: the 82nd Airborne Division, the 101st Airborne Division, U.S. Army Rangers, Special Forces, 1st Division, 2nd Division 3rd Division, 4th Division, 1st Cavalry Division, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Regiment, the Command General Staff College, and the United States Army War College. Awards include: Best in Show, EAA Aviation Art Show, three successive years, 1989-91 Named Master Artist, EAA, 1992 People's Choice Award, American Society of Aviation Artists, 1988 Best in Show, Franklin Mint Artists Show, 1992 Best in Show & three Best of Era Awards, San Antonio Military Art Show, 1992 Honorable Mention, American Society of Aviation Artists Show, 1994 Best in Show, Flying Magazine/Simuflite Art Show, 1993, 1994, 1999, 2000, 2001 Award of Merit, Flying Magazine/Simuflite Art Show, 1995, 2000 Best in Show, Naval Aviation Museum Art Show, 1994, 2000 First Place, Naval Aviation Museum Art Show, 1995 R. G. Smith Award for Excellence in Naval Aviation Art, National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola, FL, 1997 Best in Show, Women in Aviation Show, C.R. Smith Museum, Dallas, TX, 1997 Stanley Wanlass Award, for excellence in strength of design and composition, echoing the spirit of the automobile, Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance, 1997 Featured Artist, Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance, 1999 Award of Excellence, Automotive Fine Artists of America show at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, 1999, 2000 Peter Helck Award, Automotive Fine Artists of America show at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, 1999, 2000 League of WWI Aviation Historians, four Silver Cups Jim Dietz from san Francisco graduated in 1969 from the Art centre College of Designed. and many of his military paintings hang in regimental collections. including the 82nd Airborne, 101st Airborne Division and the us Army Rangers. |
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| James Dietz Art Prints, Paintings and Drawings |
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| Text for the above items : |
Come in Fighting by James Dietz. (AP) June 6-7, 1944 saw the execution of operation Neptune, the airborne assault of Hitler's Atlantic Wall. Arriving by glider and parachute, three allied airborne divisions, the U.S 82nd, 101st and British 2nd landed on the Cherbourg Peninsula to secure inland routes in preparation for the Allies' massive Normandy assault. Spearheading the assault, units of the 82nd Airborne Division were to land astride the Merdert River and seize the approach roads to Utah beach. The 325th Glider Infantry Regiment (GIR) arriving by sea and air, constituted the 82nd Division's reserve. Commanded by COL Harry L. Lewis, the 325th GIR was ordered to conduct their assault on the morning of D+1 and link up with parachute infantry elements that had arrived on D-Day. Initial intelligence reports given to COL Lewis prior to the invasion indicated enemy forces to be located to the South of the Regiment's landing zone, Landing Zone W (LZ Whiskey). The enemy situation changed however, as the 325th GIR prepared to leave their departure airfields in England. Elements of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR) had met stiff resistance in their fight for Ste. Mere Eglise, and enemy forces still controlled the high ground to the South of the town. As such, German forces occupied dominating positions above the 325th's landing zones and posed a serious threat to their glider assault. Division Headquarters attempted to wire COL Lewis the message Come in Fighting, but the message was never received. Therefore, the first gliders that landed in Normandy were met by intense machine-gun and mortar fire from Ste. Mere Eglise to the north. Expecting gunfire from the South, COL Lewis pulled out his compass, and checked the direction of the enemy fire. He decided the compass must be broken, but as another member of the landing party checked his compass, it also pointed north. It was not until COL Lewis met up with scouts of the 4th Infantry Division that he confirmed that the enemy was indeed in the vicinity of Ste. Mere Eglise, North of their location. Although sustaining almost 10% casualties during their glider assault, the 325th GIR was able to assemble into an effective fighting force by 10:15 on the morning of 7 June. Their efforts, along with the daring parachute drops the day prior, disrupted German resistance and allowed elements of the 4th Infantry Division to move inland without significant opposition. The efforts of the 325th GIR and other airborne units played a crucial role in the success of the Allied Invasion and the destruction of Hitler's Atlantic Wall. The painting Come In Fighting captures the valiant glider assault by the 325th GIR during Operation Neptune. COL Harry L. Lewis is depicted leading the men of the 325th GIR through the enemy machine-gun and mortar fire towards the maze of hedgerows for cover and ultimately Chef du-Pont. The officers and soldiers of the 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment commemorate this painting to all members of the Regiment- past, present and future. The courage and determination displayed by the glidermen of the 325th GIR serve as a constant reminder of the sacrifices of the past and our continued service in the future. |
Hold to the Last Round by James Dietz The 28th Division in the Defense of Hosingen, Luxembourg. On December 16, 1944, began the Battle of the Bulge, considered by many, including Sir Winston Churchill, as the greatest battle ever fought by the American Army. The 28th Division was positioned in the very center of the German attack, just west of the Our River in a front of about 25 miles. Since this was supposed to be a quiet sector where no enemy action was expected, the three Regimental Combat Teams of the Division could only defend this wide area by establishing isolated strong points to block the main roads leading from East to West. The distances between positions prevented them from being mutually supporting and thus easily surrounded and cut off from reinforcement. In the unlikely event of an attack, the plan was to withdraw and delay. When the German offensive opened, however, the order was changed to Hold at All Cost, and thus each of the strong points had to fight its own battle. Rather than giving terrain for time as initially intended, it now became necessary to sacrifice lives for time until reinforcements from reserve units could be brought forward. The strong points of the Division, although surrounded, cut off, and facing increasing enemy forces as the fight went on, held for almost three full days, thus upsetting the German timetable. This gave the Allies time to move major reinforcements forward to Bastogne and St. Vith. This print was taken from the magnificent painting depicting one of the great strong point actions which occurred in the town of Hosingen, Luxembourg, where K Company of the 110th Infantry Regiment and B Company of the 103rd Engineer Battalion (Combat) fought for the better part of three days. Although surrounded and greatly outnumbered, the soldiers of these two units held their ground with only a reinforcement of five tanks from the 707th Tank Battalion reaching their position. In this defense, these brave men inflicted an estimated 2,000 casualties upon their attackers and totally upset the German timetable. The 28th Division soldiers fought to the last round and were then authorized to break into small groups and escape as best they could. The gallant defense of Hosingen, which is depicted in this painting, like the action at the other strong points of the 28th Division, sacrificed men for time. This effort clearly helped save Bastogne, only 18 miles to the west, and bought precious time for the Allies. The painting and the limited edition prints are dedicated to all the brave men of the 28th Division whose courage and sacrifice delayed the German advance and contributed greatly to the final outcome of the Battle of the Bulge. |
On the Rock by James Dietz. 503rd Infantry, Corregidor, Operation Topside. At 0825 on 16 February 1945, the 503d Parachute Regimental Combat Team, affectionately known as The Rock Force courageously parachuted into 22-knot winds onto the fortified Island of Corregidor (The Rock) initiating Operation Topside. Defying a defending Japanese force of up to 6,550 in strength, the 2,050 paratroopers from the 503d Parachute Regimental Combat Team valiantly leapt from fifty-one C-47 aircraft of the 317th Troop Carrier Group at a 1,150 foot altitude onto a Drop Zone barely suitable for airborne operations. Topside Drop Zone was a rubble-strewn patch of land no bigger than 325 yards long and 125 yards wide and previous used as a parade field located on the upper portion of the island. Reinforced by the 3d Battalion Combat Team of the 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Division, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Battalions of the 503d Parachute Regimental Combat Team, portions the 462d Parachute Artillery Battalion, and C Company of the 161st Airborne Engineer Battalion surprised their Japanese foe in one of the most daring, well-planned, and superbly executed airborne operations in the annals of US Military history. Fighting valiantly and engaging thousands of Japanese soldiers hidden around the island that refused to surrender The Rock Force repatriated the island on 2 March 1945. Of the thousands of Japanese soldiers defending the island, only 50 survived. The 503rd, however, lost 169 men killed and many more wounded or injured. For its gallantry The Rock Force was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for its actions on Corregidor. This print is dedicated to all American Paratroopers then and now. Their courage and sacrifice demonstrate their commitment to freedom and American resolve. |
Stopped Cold by James Dietz. 101st Airborne Division at the Battle of the Bulge. On 17 December 1944, the Artillery Battalions of the 101st Airborne Division were alerted and given 24-hour notice to move to positions in Belgium to assist in halting a massive German offensive through the rugged terrain of the Ardennes region. Hitler's last western Offensive, with the final objective being to seize the port facilities at Antwerpt, would become known as the Battle of the Bulge. The acting Division Commander of the 101st Airborne Division was the Division Artillery Commander, Brigadier General Anthony C. McAuliffe. He would lead the division to Bastogne and earn the Screaming Eagles a place in American military lore. Depicted in the work of James Dietz is the 321st Glider Field Artillery Battalion firing from their positions near the town of Savy, approximately one kilometer northwest of Bastogne, in direct support of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment who were heavily engaged northeast of the Bastogne perimeter. Not fully refitted from the Holland Campaign which occurred just weeks before, the 321st conducted the 107 mile road march from Mourmelon, France to the small village of Savy, Belgium and reported laid and ready to fire by 1330, 19 December. The battalion would occupy this position for 25 days providing intense fire support to all areas of the encircled Division perimeter. During the siege, the battalion endured constant enemy shellfire and was strafed and bombed by aircraft. Few casualties were sustained by the battle-hardened cannoneers due to excellent dispersal and well dug in howitzer positions. Fighting not only the Germans but severe cold, lack of protective clothing, food and constant ammunition shortages, the artillerymen waged a desperate struggle in providing a protective ring of steel around the besieged encirclement. Firing from the open field positions to gain 6400 mils capability the artillery battalions of the 101st fired countless thousands of rounds into the Nazi juggernaut. On Christmas Day, three German tanks broke through the Western line of defense and reached the woods 500 meters from the firing batteries of the 321st. Bursting through the wood line and into the open fields the tanks came spraying a hail of tracers. In just seconds the enemy armor was put out of action by a combined effort of American tank destroyers and artillery. In a Christmas greeting to the soldiers of his division, Brigadier General McAuliffe stated: ...We have stopped cold everything that has been thrown at us from the North, East, South and West. Enemy units, spearheading the last desperate German lunge, were headed straight west for key points when the Eagle Division was hurriedly ordered to stem the advance. How effectively this was done will be written in history, not alone in our Division's glorious history but in world history... The following day elements of the 4th Armored Division broke through from the South and broke the encirclement of Bastogne. This print commemorates the valiant actions of all the artillerymen of the 101st Airborne Division Artillery during the battle of the Bulge - the 321st Glider Field Artillery Battalion, the 907th Glider Field Artillery Battalion and the 377th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion. |
Strike Attack by James Dietz. Lieutenant Colonel Robert G. Cole distinguished himself with 3d Battalion, 502 Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, during combat operations on 11 June 1944 in France. LTC Cole was personally leading his battalion in forcing the last of four bridges on the road to Carentan when his entire unit was suddenly pinned to the ground by intense and withering enemy rifle, machine-gun, mortar, and artillery fire placed upon them from well prepared and heavily fortified positions within 150 yards of the foremost elements. After the devastating and unceasing enemy fire had for over one hour prevented any move and inflicted numerous casualties, LTC Cole, observing this almost hopeless situation, courageously issued orders to assault the enemy positions with fixed bayonets. With utter disregard for his own safety and completely ignoring the enemy fire, he arose to his feet in front of his battalion, and, with drawn pistol, shouted to his men to follow him in the assault. Catching up a fallen man's rifle and bayonet, he charged on and led the remnants of his battalion across the bullet-swept open ground and into the enemy position. His heroic and valiant action so inspired his men that it resulted in the complete establishment of the bridgehead across the Douve River. The cool fearlessness, personal bravery, and outstanding leadership displayed by LTC Cole reflect great credit upon himself and are worthy of the highest praise in the military service. |
Tough Day by James Dietz. BMW 328, Focke-Wulf 190A. James Dietz's grouping of planes, people and vehicles in Tough Day represents a bleak gathering of Jagdgeschwader 2's most colorful Focke-Wulf FW-190As. JG 2 Richthofen was one of the rare Luftwaffe units that campaigned in France from the first day of the 1940 Blitzkrieg to the end of the German occupation. While a Gruppe or Staffel might be sent elsewhere temporarily, JG2 was the stalwart fighter organization in the West. As such, JG2 was witness to the changes in Allied airpower. By the autumn of 1943 there was no question that Allied airpower was rising to unimaginable heights. The Richthofen pilots had battled the RAF in 1941, during the Rhubarb and Circus campaigns. In the Spring of 1942 the unit began a major conversion to the new FW-190, which provided a brief qualitative superiority in equipment. JG2 scored a huge tally of British aircraft during the Dieppe raid, but the RAF countered with more planes and new tactics in its fighter sweeps against the Luftwaffe. The very first missions of the American 8th Air Force were also flown in 1942. The wind was definitely blowing the wrong way for JG 2. New and better RAF fighters appeared in 1943, and the 8th Air Force's heavily armed P-47s and P-38s began ranging all over northern France. JG2 also faced the American heavy bombers that were targeting German air bases, as well as the missions flying overhead on their way to targets in Germany. The Jagdgeschwader reported almost two hundred pilots dead or missing in 1943, with a similar number of wounded. Three years earlier, the conquest of France and the Battle of Britain together had cost the unit 36 flyers. The automobile in the print, a BMW 328 is symbolic of a happier time in German engineering. The car was taken out of production early in the war as BMW began gearing up for massive manufacturing of the 801 radial engine for the FW-190. It remained a favorite of the top experten of the Luftwaffe throughout the rest of the war. |
We Happy Few by James Dietz. General Omar Bradley, commanding the First U.S. Army, had waited anxiously for the linkup of Omaha and Utah beachheads before declaring success in the American sector following D-Day. He considered this final event critical before the Allied invasion of Europe could be put into full swing. His concern over the linkup delay was confirmed when he received an Ultra flash from British intelligence at Bletchley Park indicating the German high command was aware of a gap existing between the American V and VII Corps. They ordered the 17th SS Panzergrenadier Division to counter attack and split the two forces. It is interesting to note that this was one of the few times that information obtained from the German Enigma Code breaking was deemed so critical it was passed to a tactical commander. Such intelligence had previously been withheld for fear of tipping the Germans to the fact their secret code system had been broken. For days the American Parachute Infantry had been engaged in combat with the German Armys 6th Parachute Regiment in the vicinity of Carentan. It was now D+7, June 13, 1944. ...what a wonderful sight it was to see those tanks pouring it to the Germans with those heavy 50-caliber machine-guns and just plowing straight from our lines into the German hedgerows with all those fresh infantry soldiers marching along beside the tanks, remembers then LT Richard Winters who commanded Easy Company, 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, the band of brothers. The scene, which followed, has finally been captured by renowned military artist James Dietz in We Happy Few. Infantry from the National Guards famed 29th Division, supported by the 2nd Armored Divisions Hell on Wheels, had raced forward to relieve the airborne troops from the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions seizing and holding ground since their historic jump on the eve of D-Day. What a joyous occasion it had to be as the American airborne, joined by the grateful French civilians, welcomed the arriving ground troops. Clearly there was a difficult task ahead. Tragically many of the joyous American soldiers depicted in the print would not be there for another happy day, May 8, 1944, some eleven months later when Germany finally surrendered. But for a moment, they were We few, we happy few. The suffering and sacrifice of the past week was behind them, and they could briefly pause to enjoy a moment in time. This very historic moment, previously not depicted, is captured here in dramatic detail by the artist whose works continue to capture the American soldier in the best of times and the worst of times. The Band of Brothers is seen swapping tales with the Blue and Gray 29ers from Omaha Beach before heading to defensive positions in Carentan. The tankers of Hell on Wheels share smokes with the All Americans before beginning their difficult sweep across France. It is a scene which passed quickly, but is now reborn in the superb detail of this historic print. Generals Eisenhower and Bradley were greatly relieved with the news of the successful linkup. At noon on the next day, July 14, 1944, XIX Corps, comprised of the 29th and 30th Divisions, was formed and ordered to attack south to St. Lo, while protecting the critical area between V and VII Corps. V Corps with the 1st and 2nd Divisions would link up with the British and continue attacking south, while VII Corps with the 4th and newly arrived 9th and 90th Divisions would continue west to capture Cherbourg. Any chance for the Germans to split the corps seam had been eliminated. The Allies were beyond the beachhead, and Germanys fate had been sealed by American soldiers like those depicted in We Happy Few. |
We Have Returned by James Dietz. 37th Division in Manila. This remarkable print is taken from an original oil painting which was unveiled during the 117th General Conference of the National Guard Association of the United States which convened in Cleveland, Ohio, in September of 1995. The painting was commissioned by the Ohio National Guard to commemorate the role of the 37th Infantry Division in the liberation of Manila in March of 1945. The 37th Buckeye Division was organized during World War I and fought in the Meuse-Argonne offensive as well as in Flanders, earning three campaign streamers (Meuse-Argonne, Lorraine 1918, and Ypres-Lys). During the postwar years, this National Guard Division remained a pure Ohio unit. On 15 October 1940, the 37th was mobilized by President Roosevelt to train during the period of emergency brought on by the war in Europe. Within weeks after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the Division was alerted for possible deployment to Europe, but the orders were changed, and the Ohioans found themselves moving by train to San Francisco where they sailed in May of 1942 for the Fiji Islands. Their training continued until they were transported to Guadalcanal in April of 1943. In July, 1943, the 129th Infantry Regiment from Illinois joined the Division as they began offensive operations in New Georgia, followed by Bougainville Island in November. On 9 January, the Division arrived at its moment in history, going ashore at Lingayen Gulf on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. They moved to the outskirts of Manila, and for the next month fought house-to-house to liberate the city. In freeing Bilibid Prison, they found members of the Battling Bastards of Bataan, from the 200th Coast Artillery of the New Mexico National Guard, who earned the reputation as the first unit to fight in World War II. On 3 March 1945, the 37th had liberated Manila and fulfilled the words of General Douglas MacArthur. The fighting had taken its toll on the city and one official stated, Manila is dead! The Buckeye Division continued its offensive into the Cagayan Valley of northern Luzon and rested only briefly before beginning preparations for the invasion of Japan. It was many a relieved Buckeye when the news of the Japanese surrender reached the Division and their families anxiously waiting at home. |
At the Cutting Edge of Battle by James Dietz. (AP) In the early morning hours of 25 June 1950, 90,000 North Korean Troops crossed the 38th parallel and began the invasion of South Korea. The Korean War had begun. The United States sent military assistance to the South Koreans and on 5 July 1950, the initial battle between Americans and North Koreans was fought. The North Koreans, often dressed in civilian garb, would infiltrate troops through American and South Korean line. These units would conduct raids and ambush operations in rear areas while the main force of the North Korean Army attacked in the front. In response to the North Korean tactics, the United States Army activated Ranger units to take the war to the enemys rear area. The first Ranger unit formed was the 8th Army Ranger Company which was activated in theater on 24 August 1950. In the United States, the Army Chief of Staff, General Collins, initiated a program to establish a Ranger Training Center at Fort Benning, Georgia. A rugged course of instruction was established under the supervision of men who had served in Ranger and Special Operations units in World War II. The volunteer students of the Ranger Course would train and fight in Company size units. For the first time in Ranger history all those beginning the Ranger Course must be qualified parachutists. Ranger training was particularly arduous with a 5 mile run to begin the day. Day and night parachute operations were followed by 15 to 50 mile foot marches with full field gear. Demolitions, hand to hand combat, land navigation and infiltration techniques were followed by live fire exercises. Night training was emphasized. Those who completed this rugged course of instruction received a black and gold Ranger tab. This was the first time in history that this difficult to obtain and much sought after award was made. When the call went out for volunteers, 5,000 regular army paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division volunteered; 900 were selected and formed into the first eight Airborne Ranger Companies. As the war progressed, Infantry Divisions of the National Guard were activated. Volunteers from these divisions underwent Airborne training followed by Ranger Course. In total, 17 Airborne Ranger Companies were formed and served in the United States, Germany, Japan and Korea. The 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 9th Airborne Rangers were committed to combat in Korea, with the 1st Ranger company arriving in country on 17 December 1950. By early 1951 Rangers were fighting to the front of every American Army Division in Korea. They went into action by air, land and water. They made the first combat jump in Ranger history. Infiltrating enemy lines by foot and assault boat, they conducted raids and ambush operations and emplaced mines on enemy communications and supply routes. The Rangers spearheaded attacks, filled crucial gaps in defensive positions and were used in counterattack roles. One of every nine Rangers who fought in Korea died there. This print is dedicated to all American Rangers of the Korean War. Their sweat, blood and sacrifice from the training fields of Fort Benning, Georgia, to the battlefields of Korea demonstrated the eternal truth that freedom is not free. |
Out on a Limb by James Dietz. (AP) T6 Mosquitos in Korea. The 6147th Tactical Control Group, nicknamed the Mosquitos, received a Presidential citation in 1951 for their performance in the Korean War. This citation was for the entire unit and without parallel in aerial warfare history at that time. The gallant Mosquito pilots flew unarmed and unescorted T-6 aircraft that were vulnerable to opposition from the air and ground. Yet these brave pilots flew at dangerously low altitudes over Communist positions searching for telltale signs of the enemies presence: freshly turned earth, footprints in the snow or a discarded tin can. Once a sign was spotted, the Mosquitos flew down into the flak and marked their targets with smoke rockets. The North Koreans called them Mosquitos because the sight of a North American T-6 buzzing down on them meant they were soon to be stung. Shortly after the annoying buzz of the venerable Texan ceased, the screams of rocket-laden P-51s or the new jet fighter, F-84 Thunderstreak, were on their way downhill to deliver death and destruction to the Communist supply lines. The T-6 tactical coordinators of the 6147th Tactical Control Group may have been old and outdated, but as deadly hunting dogs that pinpointed game for heavily armed aerial hunters, they were universally feared by the enemy. The speed of the fast fighter/bombers, particularly the jets, did not allow the pilots to adequately see and target the highly camouflaged positions and vehicles of the North Koreans. They needed small, slow yet maneuverable aircraft with an observer who could mark the enemy positions with smoke bombs or rockets. The T-6 was fast enough to evade enemy attacks, had adequate visibility to truly observe targets, could be equipped with the necessary communications gear (eight-channel AN/ARC3 radio sets) to talk the fighter/bombers into targets and could carry target rockets to mark sites. The men called to fly these missions lived a kind of gypsy life, they were moved from air base to airbase as the U.N. forces retreated southward from the North Korean flood. They were quite literally Out On A Limb, not only needing to complete their operational objectives in the air, but also having to leave the ground staff of the group to move all their equipment to the next airfield down the line. We have largely forgotten the role of these daredevils in the T-6, but without the Mosquitos - a raging outfit of professionals of one stripe or another - the Korean air war might have been a different story. By the end of the Korean War, the 6147th Tactical Control Group lost 42 aircraft and 33 men. The Mosquitos flew over 40,000 sorties aiding in the destruction of 5 tank divisions, 563 artillery pieces, 5,079 vehicles, 12 locomotives, and 84 bridges. |
The Legacy Continues by James Dietz. Events in 1989 brought about the collapse of the Iron Curtain, rippled throughout the world and brought dramatic changes. The downsizing of the United States military was one of the byproducts. During this period of reorganization, the Chief of Staff of the Army made the decision to move the 1st Infantry Division from Fort Riley, Kansas to Wurzburg, Germany, and the 3rd Infantry Division from Germany to Ft. Stewart, Georgia. These two great Divisions stand together among the most honored units in our America's history. Both of them were part of the WWI expeditionary force under General John J. (Blackjack) Pershing. The "Fighting First" led the way overseas, saw the first combat, and marched first into Germany. General Pershing called the 1st Infantry Division the "best damned division in any army in the world." The "Rock of the Marne" earned its name during these same campaigns when surrounding units retreated while the 3rd Infantry Division remained immovable in battles along the Marne River in 1917. General Pershing called the 3rd Division's performance one of the most brilliant pages of our military annals. Both divisions would carry this fighting tradition into World War II. The 1st Infantry Division again distinguished itself as the first to strike in North Africa and Sicily, and the first onto the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. The 3rd Infantry Division became renowned as the only U.S. fighting force to sustain 531 continuous days of combat ranging from Casablanca to Salzburg, earning a Presidential Unit Citation in the battle of Colmar. The 3ID was also the home of the most decorated soldier of World War II, Audie Murphy. The Korean War continued the legacy of the 3rd Infantry Division with 10 battle stars, and another nickname as the "Fire Brigade." The Vietnam war had the 1st Infantry Division again return to combat. For the next 5 years "Big Red One" soldiers took part in 11 different campaigns. Later they deployed on Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm and led the way through the berms and minefields for the 7th U.S. Corps' thrust into Iraq. The 3rd Infantry Division's 3rd Brigade also saw combat in Desert Storm advancing as the tip of the spear for the 1st Armored Division's deep thrust into Iraq on the left flank of VII Corps. April 10, 1996 formally marks the day when the 1st Infantry Division headquarters returns to Europe. The ceremony itself took place in front of the Wurzburg Residence, one of the most historic buildings in Germany. The location provided a fitting place for the exchange of division colors of two of the most historic units in the United States Army for after WWII, the 1st Division alone remained in Germany. MG Meigs (the 3ID Commander and new 1ID Commander receiving the 1ID colors), LTG Abrams (the V Corps Commander who is passing the 1ID colors), MG House (the 1ID Commander from Fort Riley who just presented his colors to LTG Abrams), CSM Beck (V Corps CSM ), and CSM Gales (3ID CSM) participated in the ceremony. The 1st Infantry Division will continue to lead the way as a forward deployed division in USAREUR and as a committed part of NATO. At the time of this historic ceremony, the Division had units deployed to Macedonia, Bosnia and Hungary as part of the NATO peacekeeping efforts. The 1st Infantry Division looks forward to leading the way in training and readiness. It will carry forward the legacy of a great Division, tested so many times in battle by those who paid the ultimate price for "Victory." |
The Lightning of Desert Storm by James Dietz. "Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines of the United States Central Command, this morning at 0300, we launched Operation DESERT STORM, an offensive campaign that will enforce the United Nation's resolutions that Iraq must cease its rape and pillage of its weaker neighbor and withdraw its forces from Kuwait. My confidence in you is total. Our cause is just! Now you must be the thunder and lightning of Desert Storm. May God be with you, your loved ones at home, and our Country." General H. Norman Schwarztkopf, USA Commander-in-Chief U.S. Central Command, in a message to the command, 16 January 1991. And so, ten years ago, Operation Desert Storm began. On the morning of 24 February 1991, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) successfully conducted the largest air assault operation in the history of warfare. Led by Col. Tom Hill's 1st Brigade, 66 Blackhawks and 30 Chinooks lifted off at 0727 Hours to seize FOB Cobra, a forward base 85 miles inside Iraq as well as numerous other critical objectives deep inside enemy territory. The swift, deep, and critical strikes of the 101st Airborne Division embodied General Schwartzkopf's notion of the "Lightning of Desert Storm." Doctrinally, the 101st Airborne Division's operation would validate the four tenets of AirLand Battle by successfully utilizing initiative, agility, depth, and synchronization. Strategically, their attack would fulfill the intent of the XVIII Airborne Corps Commander, General Gary Luck, by penetrating deep into Iraq, cutting the enemy's lines of communications, and by drastically reducing enemy effectiveness. The rapid completion of this initial deep strike was critical to the success of the "Great Wheel" envisioned by the CINC, General Norman Schwarztkopf and was key to the success of the ground campaign. The route of flight was secured by Apache helicopters, which took up ambush positions upon reaching their forward objectives. After the low-level flight, soldiers of the 1st Brigade touched down in multiple landing zones and moved to expand their objective. Almost immediately, elements of the 426th Supply and Transportation Battalion landed into FOB Cobra to establish refueling points for the chalks, which were to follow. Around 1000 Hours, soldiers of the 1-327th Infantry made contact with a large Iraqi force which was positioned in a fortified bunker complex within the Area of Operations (AO). Using the element of surprise and conducting a synchronized attack, the infantry supported by aviation and arriving artillery neutralized the enemy, cleared them from their positions, and took 340 prisoners. An impromptu Joint Air Attack Team (JAAT) comprised of Air Force A-10 "Warthogs" and Army Apache and Cobra helicopters proved extremely effective during the action. By afternoon, support and combat power flowed into the area of operations. With refueling established, Apache attack helicopters of the 101st Aviation Brigade moved even deeper north into Iraq to cut enemy supply lines and close several key roads connecting Iraqi forces in Kuwait with Baghdad. The 101st Airborne Division's actions prevented Iraqi escape along Highway 8, located 170 miles into Iraq. As darkness fell, the speed and success of the Division's mission had cut major Iraqi lines of communications and opened the way to enemy destruction and defeat by the attacking coalition forces. |
Moving the Herd by James Dietz. In March of 2003, the Turkish government refused to allow American ground forces, which were positioned at their ports, to move through Turkey in order to establish a northern front in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. America needed another option and the Sky Soldiers of the 173rd Airborne Brigade provided that option. On the 26th March at 2000 hours, fifteen C-17 aircraft delivered 20 heavy platforms and 959 paratroopers of the 173rd Airborne Brigade onto Bashur Drop Zone vicinity Bashur, Iraq. This combat parachute assault was the initiation of Operation Northern Delay and established the Coalitions northern front. The parachute assault force consisted of HHC, 173rd Airborne Brigade, 1st-508th Infantry (Airborne), 2nd-503rd Infantry (Airborne), 74th Long Range Surveillance Detachment, D Battery 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 173rd Combat Support Company, 501st Forward Support Company, 250th Forward Surgical Team, ODA (-), 2nd Battalion 10th SFG, 4th ASOS (USAF), and the 86th Expeditionary Contingency Response Group (-) (USAF). The paratroopers were under the command of Colonel William C. Mayville Jr., commander of the 173rd Airborne Brigade. The chariots from which the Sky Soldiers were delivered into battle were the C-17s of the 62nd and 446th Airlift Wings from McChord AFB, Washington and the 437th Airlift Wing and 315th Reserve Airlift Wing from Charleston AFB, South Carolina. The C-17s were under the command of Colonel Robert Dice R. Allardice, commander of the 62nd Airlift Wing. This airborne operation was not only the largest since the 1990 invasion of Panama, but was the first airborne personnel insertion ever conducted with the C-17. The professionalism and courage of both the paratroopers and the aircrews were beyond reproach. The successful establishment of a northern front was essential to the coalition battle plan. Without a northern front six Iraqi divisions arrayed in northern Iraq remained free to move south to reinforce Baghdad. Fast moving coalition forces were closing on Baghdad with the expectation of having to capture the Iraqi capital from three defensively arrayed divisions. six additional Iraqi divisions streaming from the north could dramatically affect the balance of power around Baghdad. Another critical factor was the oil rich area of Kirkuk. The oil wealth of the Kirkuk area would be crucial to rebuilding Iraq but the Iraqi army had shown a willingness to destroy their countries own future simply to spite the Coalition. Securing the oil fields and airbases of Kirkuk was assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade. The success of the 173rd Airborne Brigade in its securing of Bashur and Kirkuk and its subsequent control and rebuilding of Kirkuk Province and later the As Sulaymaniyah Province was unmatched in theater. The Sky Soldiers integrated forces from fifteen other units, to include five Army divisions, to accomplish every mission. The Sky Soldiers added to the reputation of the Herd, so hard won in Vietnam. This print is dedicated to the team members who served with and supported the Herd, past and present. The sacrifices theyve made and the blood theyve shed in the service of their country demonstrate the true cost of freedom. |
Silencing the Guns by James Dietz. In the mid-morning hours of D-Day, June 6, 1944, the deafening sounds of gunfire resounded across the French hills, along the Channel coast and against low-hanging clouds. Amidst the fields of the French farm, Brecourt Manor, a particular cacophony erupted as a German battery of four 105mm cannons shook the soil. Five miles distant, on Utah Beach, the Breourt batterys steel rained upon American soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division as they disembarked from their landing craft. Within minutes of that first salvo, an ad hoc squad of paratroopers from Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th RI.R., 101st Airborne, departed the French village of Le Grand-Chemin with a mission to silence those guns. With each shot, the Brecourt cannons belied their locations. Three of the guns had been dug into the fields hedgerows, facing northeast toward the beaches. A fourth gun lay to the west and aimed westward to guard the batterys flank. A manmade ditch connected each position. In addition to the gun crews, 50 elite German paratroopers from the 6th Parachute Regiment defended the fields expanse. Against this opposition, Easy Companys ranking officer, 1st Lt. Richard Winters, led 12 paratroopers. Normally 120 men strong, Easy Company had been scattered about Normandy that morning during the 1:30 a.m. paradrop. At approximately 8:30 a.m., Winters deployed his men for a double envelopment assault on the westernmost cannon. On cue, Lt. Buck Compton, Platoon Sgt. Bill Guarnere, and Pvt. Don Malarkey attacked from the guns front-right. Winters, Cpl. Joe Toye, Cpl. Robert Wynn, and Pvt. Gerald Lorraine, a jeep driver from battalion HQ, simultaneously attacked the first gun from its front-left. While the assault teams created a pincer, the .30-caliber machine gun crews of Pyts. John Plesha, Walter Hendrix, Cleveland Petty, and Joe Liebgott kept the Germans pinned down with fire from head-on. From the cannons left flank, Platoon Sgt. Carwood Lipton and Sgt. Mike Ranney provided covering fire; Lipton even climbed a tree for a better field of view. Years later, Lipton remembered the attacks result: ...the Germans apparently felt that they were being hit by a large force. Those defending the first gun broke and withdrew in disorganization to a far tree line and that gun was in our hands. Having sacked the first cannon, Winters cc reorganized the team. James Dietzs painting Silencing the Guns signifies this moment. While Winters confers with Guarnere, troopers Malarkey, Compton, Wynn, and Toye deploy to deliver suppressing fire to keep the Germans on their heels. Figures representing Lipton and Ranney emerge from a background hedgerow to rejoin their comrades. Soon, Guarnere will lead a charge to capture the second gun. By the engagements end, Easy Company, with a few reinforcements, had captured and destroyed three of the Brecourt cannons. Five Dog Company troopers, led by Lt. Ronald Spiers, arrived after the third gun had been taken; they then captured and destroyed the fourth gun. For valor displayed at Brecourt, the 506th RI.R. decorated the battles participants. Compton, Guarnere, Lorraine, and Toye received the Silver Star. Hendrix, Liebgott, Lipton, Malarkey, Petty, Plesha, Ranney, and Wynn received the Bronze Star. Colonel Robert Sink, the commander of the 506th RI.R., nominated Winters for the Medal of Honor. However, according to the late Stephen Ambrose, the author of Band of Brothers, . . . because Maj. Gen. Maxwell Taylor, commander of the 101 st Airborne Division had placed an arbitrary limit of one MOH for the division in Normandy, and because Lt. Col. Robert Cole was the man picked to receive the award, Winters was downgraded to the Distinguished Service Cross... During the days following the D-Day invasion, in a grassy field in Normandy, General Omar Bradley personally awarded Winters the Distinguished Service Cross, the militarys 2nd highest award, in recognition of Winters actions and leadership in the silencing of the guns at Brecourt Manor. |
The Guts to Try by James Dietz. The abortive attempt to free the 53 hostages held in Tehran, Iran ranks as one of the noblest ventures conducted by special operations forces. On November 4, 1979, three thousand Iranian students stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. The students seized the compound, capturing 66 Americans. On November 17th, the militants released thirteen hostages. For the remainder of the crisis, the militants held 52 American hostages. When five months of diplomatic negotiations failed to gain the release of the hostages, President Carter issued an executive order for a military rescue mission. The rescue mission, code named Eagle Claw, ended with catastrophic results. The mission was aborted in the first staging/refueling area known as Desert One with the deaths of eight servicemen. A combination of a helicopter supported force with additional C-130 transport aircraft was deemed the best option for a clandestine insertion. The helicopters selected for the mission would be the RH-53D Navy minesweeper. The difficulty with the helicopters was the range restrictions; a refueling point would have to be planned along the route. Aerial refueling was not an option at this time, so ground refueling from an EC-130 aircraft would have to be planned. A remote site that was flat enough to land the aircraft and perform fueling operations was found some 265 miles south of Tehran; it was code named Desert One. Abort criteria for the helicopters was a difficult tactical planning consideration. Based on the number of personnel in the assault force, the abort criteria was set at seven aircraft crossing the Iranian coastline, six aircraft taking-off from Desert One, and five aircraft providing lift for the assault. The hostages and the assault force could be lifted with four aircraft. At 1905 hours local, the eight RH-53Ds launched from the U.S.S. Nimitz positioned fifty-eight miles south of the Iranian coastline. The helicopters proceeded on the first leg of the mission for refueling and link-up operations in landing zone Desert One. This first leg was a 600 nautical mile flight. The low-level flight profile was 100 feet above the ground level (AGL) and at 120 knots of air speed. The crews used full-face, first generation night vision goggles to assist with the navigation of the route. The Air Force component, the C-130 transport package took off with the assault force from Masirah Island, Oman approximately ten minutes after the helicopters. The C-130 mission package consisted of three MC-130s transporting the assault force. In addition, there were three EC-130 refuelers responsible for the ground refueling operations. Independently staggering out of two unexpected dust storms, six helicopters arrived at Desert One ranging from 50 to 85 minutes late. The refueling evolution began immediately. At this point, there was still sufficient time to reach the next zone under the cover of darkness. Helicopter #2 experienced a second stage hydraulic failure and was declared unfit for flight by the crew. Although the results of the mission were tragic, Operation Eagle Claw?s contribution to the American military was invaluable. The lessons learned from the mission illustrated serious deficiencies in the capability of the American military. The mission forced the political and military leadership to address these inadequacies and initiate changes. Military reform would be complete and revolutionary. This scene depicts the crucial time when momentous decisions were on the shoulders of the Delta Force commander. The assault force had been compromised by a bus full of Iranians, held in check by the Ranger security element. The Marine pilots are flying the helicopters being refueled from the Air Force tanker aircraft, the blades on each still turning causing both a deafening roar of engines and blasts of rotor wash. A fuel truck that drove into Desert One had been fired on by the security element. The subsequent explosion illuminated the night sky, punctuating the deliberate decisions then being made and bathing the Desert One site in a ruddy glow. Air Force Combat Controllers work feverishly amid the cacophony to maneuver the aircraft into place. Col Beckwith is depicted communicating to the Joint Task force headquarters, informing them of the critical situation on the ground. The abort threshold had been passed; the number of operational helicopters would not permit successful mission completion. As this weighed heavily on the leadership, every instinct drove the Delta Force to achieve the impossible with fewer than required assets. The mission abort criteria could not be alleviated; to continue would endanger not only their lives but those of the captives. "The Guts to Try" captures the drama of the singular most historic event in special operations history. |
Turning the Corner by James Dietz. Task Force Baghdad. In early 2003, select divisional units were designated to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom through the initial phase of combat culminating in the liberation of the Iraqi people from the tyrannical rule of Saddam Hussein. In the fall of 2003, the division as a whole was ordered to prepare for deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom II. In January, division elements began deploying to the theater of operations and in April 2004 the division assumed command and control of Task Force Baghdad. During the divisions tour of duty, Task Force Baghdad's ranks swelled to more than 39,000 uniformed members including active duty, reserve, national guard Soldiers, US Marines, and international coalition partners. The division engaged the enemy across multiple lines of operation, helping the Iraqi people forge a new, democratic government - the first in that nation's history. Task Force Baghdad fought numerous engagements with the insurgents throughout the city. On several occasions division units were called on to conduct or support major offensive operations, which further stabilized a country striving for a return to peace. Two major events in the march toward true democracy occurred during the division's year in the Iraqi capital: first, the coalition returned sovereignty to the people of Iraq in June 2004; and second, the national elections of January 2005 proved illustrative of the resolve of the Iraqi people to gain control of their country. The division transferred authority to the 3rd Infantry Division in February 2005 and completed redeployment on April 2. As a commemorative to the division's tour of duty, this painting by James Dietz captures the essence of a street scene in Baghdad with Cav troopers and the equipment they used in the effort to help the Iraqi people 'turn the corner' on the road from tyranny to democracy. |
On Patrol by James Dietz. On March 1st, 2004, members of the 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry began reporting to armories around the Commonwealth of Virginia to begin their transition from citizen to full time soldier. The battalion was mobilized in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and deployed to Afghanistan. After training at Fort Bragg and a rotation at Fort Polk's Joint Readiness Training Center, the 3rd Battalion was ready to add its own chapter to the historic lineage of the 29th Infantry Division. The battalion began arriving at Bagram Air Field (BAF), Afghanistan on 15 July 2004 and was quickly engaged in operations. The battalion's first mission was to provide force protection and a quick reaction force at BAF. The other assumed a more traditional infantry role where the battalion was assigned an area of responsibility to capture, kill or suppress the activities of any anti-coalition organizations. In recognition of the 116th Regiment's history, the newly formed Task Force assumed the name of the beaches the regiment stormed more than 60 years prior - Normandy. Numerous slice elements were placed under the operational control of the Task Force Normandy, to include: 1st Platoon 25th Military Police Company Detachment 1, 229th Engineer Battalion (VaARNG) Detachment 1, 1st/143rd Fire Support Element (CaARNG) 165th Air Support Operations Squadron (GaANG), C Co 367 Engineer Battalion 754th EOD CAT-A 450th Civil Affairs Battalion Psychological Operations Detachment 1240 HHD, 29th ID(L) (VaARNG). At Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ghazni, TF Normandy found themselves jumping right into operations and occupying the Spartan conditions at FOB Ghazni. Very limited hot water, latrines, and living space made the transition challenging, but the robust operational tempo and the need to learn quickly kept the soldiers too busy to focus on the lack of amenities. Moreover, the battalion quickly shifted from its traditional light infantry role to that of a medium motorized battalion, receiving a large compliment of up-armored vehicles which played a pivotal role in TF Normandy's ability to maneuver throughout the 30,000 square kilometers area for which it was responsible. On Patrol depicts a typical patrol conducted by members of TF Normandy throughout the Ghazni and Wardak provinces. At BAF, TF Normandy provided security for over six thousand service members and civilians. It manned 20 towers and conducted security patrols for the bases 6.5 mile perimeter. Shortages of personnel forced Soldiers to endure 12-hour shifts with an average of less than one day off per month. The battalion conducted security and civil engagement patrols in the 10K ring around Bagram that discovered numerous caches and deterred rocket attacks. The 3-116 Infantry provided theater Quick Reaction Force to CJTF-76. This air-mobile force maintained the highest level of readiness and was able to respond to threats on extremely short notice. Missions accomplished included security of IED sites, security of downed-aircraft, and responses to threats in vicinity of Bagram. The QRF also provided security for the President of Afghanistan and for First Lady Laura Bush. Much hard work went into planning and coordinating for the October elections. Many agencies and units were involved, including United Nations, NATO, and other coalition forces and civilian organizations. The scope of TF Normandy's involvement included conducting pre-election day site security surveys, providing security throughout the elections, and escorting several jingle trucks carrying ballots from the remote elections sites to a regional counting facility. The battalion's operations were necessarily immense, but the soldiers responded with the "Let's Go" attitude that had come to exemplify their operations in theater, and, despite determined attempts by anti-coalition organizations to disrupt, the elections were a resounding success. In over twenty company and battalion level operations TF Normandy captured over 70 anti-government operatives. The battalion secured over a hundred caches with over 22,000 mortar rounds, 3,500 hundred rockets, 6,000 recoilless rifle rounds, 230 anti-tank mines, 700 anti-personnel mines, and 8,000 RPG rounds. In addition, the TF also executed over 130 civil assistance projects worth over $1,000,000. On Patrol is dedicated to the members of Task Force Normandy, which adapted to tough conditions and defeated a determined enemy, resulting in a safer and more secure operational area and the strengthening of the government of Afghanistan. |
High Summer by James Dietz. Before the Fall, 1940. The victorious Luftwaffe stood on the English Channel, fresh, rested, and above all supremely confident. In the past year it had destroyed the Air Forces of Poland, Holland, Denmark, Norway and the combined forces of England and France over the Continent. It was true that the Kampflieger had suffered serious losses at the hands of defending French and British Fighters, but these bomber units had been quickly re-equipped. The Jadgwaffe had proved itself superior in every way: better equipped, better trained and better tactics honed in the skies over Spain in the famed Kondor Legion, just prior to the war. After the aerial battles over the British evacuation at Dunkirk, the German fighter pilots had a chance to rest while their squadrons refitted and made the necessary move to airfields near the French coast. As the end of Summer approached, the Luftwaffe stood ready to bring England to her knees with their supposed overwhelming airpower. First, the Royal Air Force must be brought up to fight and be destroyed. The first phase air attack on English Channel shipping was designed to do just that, but this proved inconclusive when the British did not commit to this stratum. The Luftwaffe next tried to destroy the British on and above their airfields defending southern England. Aided by Radar, the R.A.F. fought back brilliantly, and German losses in men and equipment rose alarmingly, as did with their British opponents. With success almost at hand, Hitler's decision to concentrate on London gave the R.A.F. much needed respite, while stretching the capacity of the German Fighters to the breaking point. The Messerschmitt Bf-109's limited endurance allowed for a very short combat time over London, while making ditching in the Channel on the way home after every sortie a very real possibility. Meanwhile, thanks to careful husbanding of its men, material, and equipment, the R.A.F.'s strength seemed to grow every day. By the approach of Fall, and with worsening weather approaching, the Battle of Britain began to wind down, and the Luftwaffe turned to night bombing large cities, and hit and run raids on coastal towns. The Jadgwaffe had at last tasted defeat with squadrons being decimated and old veterans lost, only to be replaced by green newcomers. At the same time, the R.A.F. grew in offensive power, increasingly challenging the Luftwaffe over its own bases in France. Victories still lay ahead, in the skies over Africa, the Balkans, and Russia, but there would never again be the bright shining optimism of a quick victory that was felt in the ranks of the Luftwaffe during that sunny Summer of 1940. In two years the Luftwaffe would be on the defensive everywhere, in three years in decline, and in four years this once all-too-proud force would lay shattered. |
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