"By Force and Valor" James Dietz Task Force 1-40 Cavalry (Airborne) Print

After graduation from Art Center College of Design in 1969, Jim began a successful career as a commercial illustrator in Los Angeles. The subject matter varied from automobiles to action scenes to romantic book covers. A steady flow of work from New York enabled the Dietz' to move to Seattle in 1978. It was at this time that he took his first concrete steps toward fulfilling his dream to specialize in aviation art, at that time an almost unheard of genre. Since then, aviation art has played an increasingly large part in his career. Jim Dietz's clients include Boeing, Bell Helicopter, Allison, and Flying Tigers, to name just a few.

Jim has also branched out into the fine arts field with his aviation art. A strong following has developed for his originals and a growing number of limited edition prints have introduced Jim's name to print collectors worldwide. Four of Jim's originals were put on display in the Smithsonian's National Air & Space Museum commemorating the 75th Anniversary of Naval Aviation; one of the paintings was presented by the Navy League to then Secretary of the Navy, John Lehman. A regular contributor to the Air Force Art Program, Jim's work has been featured on the cover of AIR FORCE magazine.

Jim Dietz has been honored with several gold medals from the Los Angeles Society of Illustrators and has won Best in Show in three successive years in the EAA Aviation Art Show. In 1988, at the second American Society of Aviation Artists forum, Jim was awarded the "People's Choice Award" for his painting selected by forum attendees. Major showings of Dietz's originals have recently been held at the EAA Museum and the San Diego Air Museum. His work is found in a number of private and corporate collections.

James Dietz Signed & Numbered Limited Edition Print "By Force and Valor"

In February 2009, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment (Airborne) deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Squadron found itself at 8,000 feet in Paktya Province in the vicious Pashtun tribal region bordering Pakistan. The Squadron immediately began conducting counter insurgency operations across an area the size of Delaware. As winter turned to spring the enemy mustered his forces and met the Squadron head on. The brave scouts of 1-40 CAV were tested from the mountainous and violent Khost-Gardez Highway to the populated and Taliban infested valley of Zormat to the lethal and distant Jaji Ayrub region along the Pakistan border. Afghan and Cavalry Paratroopers were faced with a determined enemy and beat them back at every turn thanks to outstanding junior leadership and individual bravery. In places named Zormat, Jaji, Gerda Serai and Shewak, Cavalry Paratroopers answered the call, standing side-by-side with Afghan National Security Forces in an effort to protect an innocent population from forces that would deny them basic human rights. In July, the Squadron was called upon to move to another area of operations in Paktika Province and take charge of a makeshift task force, affectionately known as “Denalimo”, in support of DUSTWUN operations.

This task force conducted 14 air assault missions in just ten days, as well as a multitude of other operations during the month of July, while trying to recover one of the Brigade’s own. As the violent summer wore on, the Squadron continued to take the fight to the enemy, conducting multiple large-scale air assaults, vehicular, and dismounted operations across Paktya. The unit’s last test came near the end of their time in Afghanistan. The Squadron was ordered to pack up and take over yet another battle space; this time in the violent Khost “bowl” region. This mission would prove to be the most challenging yet for the tired paratroopers. With the new battle space came the job to partner with and mentor the 1st Brigade, 203rd Corps (Afghan National Army), which owned battle space across Paktya and Khost Provinces. What they accomplished in their last three months in theater, was unprecedented in the history of OEF. Through their hard work and dedication, the Squadron set the stage for the next unit by partnering down to the paratrooper level, emplacing systems, and training the Afghan Army on counter-insurgency operations. In February 2010, the Squadron returned home to Fort Richardson, Alaska and began to prepare for the next mission.

The accompanying print depicts the following:
Task Force 1-40 Cavalry (Airborne) conducts another Air Assault in Paktya Province, Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Paratroopers from the Denali Squadron penetrate Taliban territory to begin a comprehensive counter-insurgency effort of separating the enemy from the populace and achieving effects with the population. By Force and Valor!

This 21.5" by 31" image size print, limited to 250, is signed by the artist.

This print is also available as an Artist Proof (limited to 100) - $200

All Limited Edition prints are signed and numbered (S/N) by the artist. Limited Edition prints are restricted to a certain number. For example, if 400 prints are made from an original painting, once they’re gone, that’s it. There is no limit to the number of open edition prints of a particular painting. That’s why Limited Edition prints are more expensive — and more valuable to collectors — than "open" edition. Rare objects are more valuable.

An Artist’s Proof (AP), generally, is the first 5% - 10% of the Limited Edition prints that come off the press. This status is noted on the print. Collectors prefer APs because their value increases even more than a Limited Edition as time goes by.

All Limited Edition artwork is subject to availability at time of order. Although seller strives to remain currrent as to inventory, seller reserves the right to cancel a sale if item is no longer available at time of purchase.