Vietnam, A Tour of Duty

 

As an artist and a historian I have tried to find images and topics that are inspiring to the public. When doing artwork on the United States Military, all a person has to do is to read the Medal of Honor Citations to find outstanding American Heroes. The question came to my mind one day as to who was the first Medal of Honor recipient during the Vietnam War. The answer and this art piece is the result of that question. The art piece is called, “Vietnam, A Tour of Duty.” The individual is Col. Roger H. C. Donlon.

 

 

When I started the planning for this art piece I had written to Col. Donlon, and asked if he had a photo that he would allow me to use in this project. He was kind enough to send me several to choose from and I chose this one.

 

 

I think one of the most prominent images that had come out of the Vietnam War was that of the helicopter. In doing this art piece I knew I wanted to incorporate it into the piece.

 

 

As Col. Donlon was the first recipient of the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War, I used this image from the back of his book, “Beyond Nam Dong.”

 

 

When I frame my art work I like to incorporate patches into the framing and matting. It tends to bring more color into the art piece. On the right side of this art piece I used the “Vietnam Veterans” patch.

 

 

On the left side was placed the “United States of America” patch.

 

 

I had the pleasure of meeting with Col. Donlon and his lovely wife Norma at their home. Col. Donlon was nice enough to sign the art piece that I had done on him.

Chief Joseph art - Pyrography

 

As an artist I try to find a deep meaning and inspirational theme for each art piece that I do. Having grown up in the Black Hills of South Dakota I have a natural interest in the culture of the American Indians. Also being a student of history, I have come to understand the basic theory of conquest, and the treatment of those deposed. The plight of the Nez Perce Indians is not much different than so many nations before it or after. It is a sad and shameful part of America’s history as a nation. The part of this tragedy that has affected me so much as an individual were those words that Chief Joseph spoke, “ I will fight no more – Forever.” For such a great warrior and leader of his people to be driven under the heel by his pursuers, makes my heart weep. I could think of no better way to honor such an outstanding individual, than to create this art piece. For my life I will always have those words of sadness etched into my memory. “I Will Fight No more – Forever.” May the spirit of Chief Joseph forever soar with the eagles.

 

 

The burial pry in this art piece was of course, not Chief Joseph’s, but was meant to represent the final resting place that as an American Indian he deserved.

 

 

I put a lone brave into the art piece to show that his memory would be remembered, and that his passing would be mourned.

 

 

In arranging this collage, I wanted to include a portrait of Chief Joseph.

 

 

Originally the art piece was supposed to be square in design with just the words “I will fight no more – Forever.” As I was  finishing the piece it occurred to me that not everyone may know American Indian history as well as I. As I came close to the completion of the project, I decided to add Chief Joseph’s name. So much for proper planning……………….  

 

I hope that those who view this art piece will find the same meaning in it that I do, when viewing it. When the art piece was framed I wanted to keep with a rustic look, so I chose a frame that would replicate tree bark. Then I double matted the art piece, first with beige, and then with a deep coffee brown. I chose to use a suede for the top mat to add texture, and also accent the brown tones in the artwork.

The size of the art piece board is 34 ¾ inches X 24 ¾ inches the purchase price is $2,750.00

 

 



Hurry Home Honey

 

In doing this wood burning profile of the P-51 Mustang I wanted to associate it with an ace that had flown this type of aircraft. Maj. Richard Peterson was the logical choice. Maj. Peterson was one of the top scoring aces of the 357^th Fighter Group during WW II.

 

 

During the war each pilot was allowed to name their personal aircraft. Maj. Peterson called his P-51, “Hurry Home Honey.”

 

When the war had ended Maj. Peterson had an impressive score of 15.5 Air Victories to his credit. Some of his victories are represented on the side of the aircraft as iron crosses.

 

 

There were many variations of the P-51 Mustang. This particular aircraft was the “D” model.

 

 

Each individual Fighter Group and Squadron had their own individual patch. The patch displayed in this art work is for the 364^th Fighter Squadron, which Maj. Peterson flew in.

 

 

When Maj. Peterson was alive he signed this art piece for me.

 

 

I really like the way this project turned out, the P-51 is a very beautiful aircraft and the squadron patch is just plain cool. The blue matting with a yellow frame really made this art piece pop. It would be a great conversation piece on anyone’s wall.

The size of the art piece board is 24 inches X 16 inches with two inch suede matting coming in from the outer perimeter– the purchase price is $350.00