James Dietz Hand Signed and Numbered Limited Edition Print: "Wolfhound Legacy"

Artist: James Dietz
Title: Wolfhound Legacy
Edition Size: Limited Edition | Public Edition | COA included
Medium: Fine Art Print

About the Art: Here, we have a scene combining two battlefields – Iraq and Afghanistan. The 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry served in Iraq from January 2004 to February 2005, conducting security and stability operations in the vicinity of the city of Kirkuk.

RIGHT SCENE

On the right side of the artwork is a scene from Vietnam, to honor the sacrifice of the Wolfhounds who served during the Vietnam War and their dedication to our nation. While this scene’s intent is to represent all Wolfhounds who served in that campaign, a well-known figure to the Wolfpack graces the work, in the likeness of the late William “Easy” Smith.

The Wolfhounds arrived in South Vietnam in January 1966. During their five years in Vietnam, the Wolfhounds were considered one of 25th Infantry Division’s most effective units, earning a Valorous Unit Citation in 1967. Primarily operating from Chu Chi, in the Hau Nghia Province, the Battalion participated in Operation Attleboro, Cedar Falls, Junction City, the ‘68 and ‘69 Tet Offensives, and the 1970 Invasion of Cambodia. One of the last of the 25th Infantry Division’s units to depart Vietnam, the Wolfhounds arrived home in Hawaii in April 1971. The Wolfhounds fought fiercely for five years and sacrificed greatly for our nation! LEFT SCENE

Here, we have a scene combining two battlefields – Iraq and Afghanistan. The 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry served in Iraq from January 2004 to February 2005, conducting security and stability operations in the vicinity of the city of Kirkuk. The 1st Battalion received a Valorous Unit Award for its conduct in combat actions against insurgent forces. The 1st Battalion served in Iraq for 15 months with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team (Stryker), from December 2007 to March 2009, headquartered at Camp Taji. For extraordinary heroism in combat actions against Iraqi insurgents, the Battalion received a Valorous Unit Award for the period 14 January 2008 to 22 February 2009. The 1st Battalion returned to northern Iraq with the 1st BCT in July 2010 to train and assist Iraqi forces. The 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry served in Afghanistan from April 2004 to April 2005. The 2nd Battalion conducted security and stability operations in eastern Paktika Province near the Pakistan border. For its service in Afghanistan, the 2nd Battalion was awarded a Meritorious Unit Commendation. The 2nd Battalion served for 15 months in Iraq with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, from August 2006 to October 2007, conducting intensive counter-insurgency operations in the vicinity of the city of Hawijah in northern Iraq. For its exceptional effectiveness in accomplishing its mission, the 2nd Battalion received a Meritorious Unit Commendation and participation credit for the National Resolution and Iraqi Surge campaign phases. From October 2008 to October 2009, the 2nd Battalion served again in Iraq with the 3rd BCT conducting stability operations and facilitating the rebuilding of critical economic infrastructure in the Bayji city area. For its accomplishments, the 2nd Battalion received a Meritorious Unit Commendation and participation credit for the Iraqi Sovereignty campaign phase. In total, the 27th Infantry Regiment combined for seven straight years of combat between Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition to this, the 27th Infantry Regiment is the only Infantry Regiment to have served continuously with the 25th Infantry Division since 1 October 1941. CENTER SCENE

The center depicts a scene representing our current Wolfhounds, with a backdrop featuring the Kolekole mountains and some taro leaves to represent Schofield Barracks and the 25th. They are the future of the organization! You will notice the figure front and center holding a small child. This is a nod to MSG Hugh O’Reilly, and our 73-plus years of dedication to the Holy Family Home orphanage in Osaka, Japan, as well as the assistance of Peace Bridge in maintaining our support. The tradition of sending gifts to the orphans and sponsoring their visits to Hawaii only continues with the nurturing of this relationship. This is all while training to fight our Nation’s battles and yearly deployments in the Pacific Theater. The two Battalions continue year after year to show the true nature of the Wolfhounds – fiercely competitive with one another, while still able to come together as a regiment and support each other at any given time.

The Wolfhound logo represents the past, present, and future Soldiers of the Regiment. The logo is centered, and on the ground in this artwork. This represents the embodiment of the Infantry Soldiers, whose job it is to hold and take ground for our nation. The Soldier’s foot on the logo is not a sign of disrespect, but an acknowledgement of walking the same path as those who came before. The current Soldier’s foot is on the Wolfhound logo to draw strength from the legends that helped create the legacy of the unit, much like the large painted Wolfhound found in the 1st Battalion’s footprint. The Wolfhound logo is a place to gather and unite the force. The logo is not in the sky, as that is not the path of the Wolfhound – it is on the ground, a foundation, for all who walk in the footsteps of giants.

*Watermark for display and is not on print.