Chuck, thank you for an incredible piece of art work and the time and dedication it required for creation!
The second flag raising at Iwo Jima
About the Artist:
Chuck visited the Fort in the summer of 2015 to get involved. He showed us his beautiful portfolio of paintings and offered to contribute his artwork to the Fort Villanow Museum. Fort members requested the scene from Iwo Jima and Chuck delivered! This is our first piece of original artwork. The Fort will hold a special dedication to recognize Chuck, who is a U.S. Military Veteran and a working freelance artist. If you're searching for a mural artist, look no further. Chuck's work is impeccable and he's currently available for commission. Chuck currently resides in Rome, Georgia.
The painting depicts the famous scene of Marines raising the American flag at Iwo Jima.
Fort Villanow Veterans Wes Alexander and Ralph Casey (left) with Mural Artist, Chuck Schmult (right)
About Iwo Jima:
"On the morning of February 19, 1945, the 4th and 5th Marine Divisions invaded Iwo Jima after an ineffective 72-hour bombardment. The 28th Regiment of the 5th Division, was ordered to capture Mount Suribachi. They reached the base of the mountain on the afternoon of February 21 and, by nightfall the next day, had almost completely surrounded it. On the morning of February 23, Marines of Company E, 2nd Battalion, started the tortuous climb up the rough terrain to the top. At about 10:30 am men all over the island were thrilled by the sight of a small American flag flying from atop Mount Suribachi. That afternoon, when the slopes were clear of enemy resistance, a second, larger flag was raised by five Marines and a Navy hospital corpsman: Sgt. Michael Strank, Cpl. Harlon H. Block, Pfc. Franklin R. Sousley, Pfc. Rene A. Gagnon, Pfc. Ira Hayes, and PhM. 2/c John H. Bradley, USN." -from NPS.gov