Originally was painted in the enlisted men’s service club, later as a band hall, that was located in Building 4720. The building was a World War II temporary building that was built by the WPA during the mobilization phase of construction on Fort Sill. The interior of the building was dominated by a large interior space that extended two stories in height with a second floor gallery that overlooked the large space. The mural was located on the south end of the large room with stairs on each side of the doors that was at the bottom of the mural.

The mural is describe as a large shield with a dark blue eagle silhouetted in the background and surrounded by ornate scrollwork. The foreground depicts three helmeted and shirtless young soldiers in partial combat gear with rifles slung in a heroic pose. Banners, placed both above and below the figures read “Duty Honor Country” and “As We Follow The Guidon” respectively. The eagle appears to hold the upper banner in its beak.

The central figure, with arms crossed and legs engaged, but slightly apart, appears to stand on the door head. This soldier has on green military pants, gaiters, and has an M-l carbine hanging barrel down from a leather sling. The soldier to the left has one leg engaged and appears close to movement. He wears military pants, an ammunition belt with canteen, gaiters and has a slung M-l carbine, barrel up, on his back. The figure to the right wears military pants, a web belt, and gaiters and is artistically posed in a classical contra pasto stance with the weight on his left leg. The composition of the three heroic figures projects an image of youth, strength, and patriotism.

The Artist

The mural was painted by Sgt. Dean Ryerson in 1943. Sgt. Ryerson, born in Columbus, Ohio, was attached to Headquarters Battery, Fort Sill Replacement Center during World War II. According to local newspaper accounts, Sgt. Ryerson was active in the arts and organized a number of exhibitions of soldier’s works at Fort Sill. Sgt. Ryerson’s mother was an interior designer for Good Housekeeping Magazine and perhaps encouraged his interest in the arts. It is clear from the painting that Sgt. Ryerson had formal training in the arts. His training, as evidenced by the style of the painting, surely must have included exposure to classical Greek and Roman sculpture and the work of the great muralists of the 1930s.

Currently reported to be in storage at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

As We Follow the Red Guidon (1943) Dean Ryerson. Currently in storage at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. (Fort Sill National Landmark and Museum).

Sources

  1. Nationwide Context, Inventory, and Heritage Assessment of Works Progress Administration and Civilian Conservation Corps Resources on Department of Defense Installations – Report (Legacy 07-357), Part 2 of 8, page 70.
  2. DOCUMENTATION OF MURAL BUILDING 4720 U.S. ARMY FIELD ARTILLERY CENTER FORT SILL MILITARY RESERVATION, OKLAHOMA