Original Item. Only One Available. This is a very attractive framed limited edition print of “29 Let’s Go!” by military artist James Dietz, depicting the 29th Infantry Division during the D-Day landings at Omaha Beach on June 6th, 1944. This example is signed by James Dietz and individually numbered 70/1000.

The print commemorates one of the defining moments in the history of the 29th Infantry Division, the “Blue and Gray Division.” Federalized for active service on February 3rd, 1941, its National Guardsmen spent more than three years training before elements of the division entered combat on the Normandy coast. The top of the print shows the battle streamer for NORMANDY with an invasion arrowhead, one of the rarest streamers to find.

It was 0630, June 6, 1944, shortly after low tide, when the first units of the Division landed on Omaha Beach on the Normandy Coast of France. Facing well prepared German positions and making their way through the extensive obstacles known as “Rommel’s asparagus,” four companies of the 116th Regimental Combat Team (RCT) led the way, followed by wave after wave of determined Twenty-Niners.

The going was slow and difficult, with heavy casualties in the early morning hours. The Division battle cry which had become popular during training exercises, “29 Let’s Go,” could be heard across the beach as leaders urged the Guardsmen forward. First a foothold, then penetration, break through, and move inland. The liberation of Europe had begun. The price was heavy though; more than 500 of the Guardsmen had lost their lives, with many times that number wounded.

The 29th Division would continue to distinguish itself in the sweep across Europe, and after V-E Day, their motto became “29 Let’s Go Home!” Mission accomplished, the Guardsmen returned to inactive status on January 11, 1945. Today the 29th Infantry Division remains an integral part of our force structure, still a National Guard Division based in Maryland and Virginia, prepared if ever again America calls out, “29 Let’s Go!”

The print is framed, and measures 27 x 41”. The frame is in great shape with a retained hanging wire. The frame covers most of the area underneath the print, and the only visible signature is that of the artist, James Dietz.

This example combines the strong visual impact of Dietz’s work with a low individual edition number, 70/1000, the artist’s original signature, attractive framing, and direct subject matter relating to the 29th Infantry Division at Omaha Beach. It would make an excellent display piece for a collection focused on D-Day, the 116th Infantry Regiment, the 29th Infantry Division, National Guard history, or modern military artwork commemorating WWII combat.