American Legion Soldier
American Legion Soldier is a public artwork by German-born American artist Adolph Wolter, located at the American Legion building on K Street, N.W. in Washington, D.C., United States. "American Legion Soldier" was surveyed as part of the Smithsonian's Save Outdoor Sculpture! program in 1993.[1]
| American Legion Soldier | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Artist | Adolph Wolter |
| Year | 1951 |
| Type | Indiana limestone |
| Dimensions | 400 cm (13 ft) |
| Location | Washington, D.C., United States |
| 38°54′8.12″N 77°2′14.44″W | |
| Owner | American Legion |
Description
This sculpture depicts a male figure dressed in a combination of World War I and World War II battle fatigues. His shirt is unbuttoned and dogtags hang around his neck. A rifle is slung over his right shoulder and he holds a grenade in his left hand. He wears a helmet on his head and his pants are tucked into his boots. He steps on a snake with his right foot, the snake represents the enemy. The sculpture is installed on a small ledge on the facade of the American Legion building, forty feet above the sidewalk.[1]
Artist
Information
The model for the sculpture was Lt. Hulon B. Whittington who won a Medal of Honor in World War II. The sculpture, which was carved by Frank Bowden, was carved in ninety days at Adolph Wolter's studio in Indianapolis, Indiana.[1]
Acquisition
The sculpture cost $5,200 to produce and erect. It was dedicated on August 14, 1951, and President Harry S. Truman spoke at the dedication ceremony.[1]
References
- Smithsonian (1993). "American Legion Soldier, (sculpture)". Save Outdoor Sculpture. Smithsonian. Retrieved 26 December 2010.
