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| Before Zero Hour |
Col John W. Thomason, Jr., USMC
(1893-1944) |
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Acquisition Number: 1975.401.1
Medium: Ink and Gouache on Paper
Status: Reproduction Available - Click Here
Thomason used whatever materials he had on hand to capture moments on the battlefield. The very lack of materials provides the impact of this unfinished work. The shades of blue add depth to the Marines he has drawn in ink; he uses yellow to create the early morning light. The feeling of anticipation is palpable as the Marines wait for the time to advance. On page 168 in the 1926 edition of Fix Bayonets!, Thomason writes: “The 6th took Blanc Mont and they are holding it against heavy counter attacks. . . . The division is grouping around the Ridge, but we’re pretty isolated from the French. Tonight we are going on up and take the front line, and attack toward St. Etinne-á-Armes . . . . Get up to Blanc Mont with your companies –P.C. will be there, along the road that runs across the Ridge.”
Gift of Col John W. Thomason, Jr., USMC
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