Original Item. Only One Available. This is a very attractive framed Artist’s Proof of James Dietz’s “Decisive Action,” signed by the artist and individually numbered 74 of 82. The print depicts paratroopers of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, during the fighting around Nijmegen in Operation Market Garden. Its restricted Artist’s Proof edition is considerably smaller than a standard numbered release.

Artist’s Proofs were traditionally reserved outside the main numbered edition for the artist, publisher, and presentation purposes. With only 82 examples in this proof edition, this version represents a particularly limited issue of the composition.

This print depicts the critical moment when the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82d Airborne, captures the Nijmegen Bridge during Operation Market Garden. The top of the print shows the battle streamer for Nijmegen 1944.

Operation Market Garden began on September 17th, 1944, as an Allied attempt to seize a series of bridges through the Netherlands and open a route into Germany. The 82nd Airborne Division was assigned objectives around Grave, Groesbeek, and Nijmegen.

The 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment played a central role in the Nijmegen fighting. On September 20th, elements of the regiment crossed the Waal River in canvas assault boats under intense German fire and attacked the northern approaches to the highway and railroad bridges.

The action helped make possible the capture of the Nijmegen highway bridge in cooperation with British armored forces advancing from the south. The crossing remains one of the most recognized combat actions in the history of the 82nd Airborne Division.

James Dietz is known for highly detailed military paintings that combine individual soldiers, equipment, terrain, and unit history within carefully researched narrative scenes. His work has been widely commissioned by military organizations, veterans’ associations, and individual units.

The print measures 28 x 31¾” and 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.

The Artist’s Proof designation, visible James Dietz signature, and depiction of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment combine military art with the history of one of Operation Market Garden’s most important airborne actions. It would be appropriate for a collection focused on the 82nd Airborne Division, the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, Nijmegen, Operation Market Garden, or signed military artwork.