Strength And Honor by James Dietz

The 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) derives its lineage from the unit of WorldWar II fame -- The First Special Service Forces. Also known as "The Devils Brigade," this combined Canadian-American Force participated in the Italian campaign and saw additional action in France, distinguishing themselves through daring and successful raids. The unit was disbanded on 6 January 1945 in France.

The unit was reconstituted 15 April 1960 in the Regular Army and redesignated as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces. The organic elements were constituted on 8 September 1961 and the 5th Special Forces Group was activated 21 September 1961 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Within a year of activation, elements of the 5th Special Forces Group began serving temporary duty tours in the Republic of Vietnam. Full deployment of the Group was completed in February 1965. Despite being one of the smallest units engaged in the Vietnam conflict, the Group colors fly twenty campaign streamers and multiple unit citations, including the Presidential Unit Citation (Army) Vietnam 1966-1968. Its Soldiers are among the most highly decorated in the history of our nation, counting among their ranks seventeen recipients of the Medal of Honor, eight posthumously.

The 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) added to its rich combat history during Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM. In August 1990 the Group was called upon to conduct special operations in Southwest Asia in response to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, earning the Valorous Unit Award. In August 1992, a full four months prior to the deployment of major U.S. Forces, the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) was called upon again, this time in Somalia for Operation RESTORE HOPE. Elements of the 5th Group also served in Operation UPHOLD DEMOCRACY in Haiti and Operation JOINT GUARDIAN in Kosovo.

In the wake of 11 September 2001, the Group was called upon to play a major role in the GlobalWar on Terrorism. The 5th Special Forces Group was among one of the first US units to deploy into Afghanistan for Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Within six months, the 5th Group, a regimental-sized force, effectively destroyed the popular base of the Taliban government and toppled the terrorist-sponsored state of Afghanistan. Once again, the 5th Group received the Presidential Unit Citation (Army). Since late 2002, the 5th Group has conducted multiple deployments to Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and continues to play a leading role in the fight against terrorists and insurgents.

Overall Size: 28 3/4" wide x 24 1/4" high.

Image Size: 22 3/4" wide x 18" high.

Strength And Honor by James Dietz
250 Publisher Proofs Edition s/n prints.	US $175

For over 45 years, the “Quiet Professionals” of the legendary 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) have served with honor and distinction, while earning our Nation’s highest honors. This print depicts the elite Soldiers of this legendary unit during key periods in the unit's history, including Vietnam, Desert Storm, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Each Green Beret in the picture represents a specific era of proud service during the numerous conflicts in which the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) has participated. Each uniform is authentic, and the equipment displayed is historically accurate.While painstaking care was taken to ensure the historical accuracy of each individual depicted, no painting could ever represent the myriad of uniforms and equipment that the Green Beret finds himself using. This unique print is meant to capture the legacy of excellence established by the 5th SFG(A) and all Special Forces soldiers as masters of unconventional warfare and liberators of the oppressed.

Throughout its rich history, the 5th Special Forces Group has created a legacy of excellence and her Soldiers have served with valor and gallantry. As the United States continues to fight global terrorism, the 5th Special Forces Group will undoubtedly continue to play a major role, always living the Special Forces motto: De Oppresso Liber, to Free the Oppressed.