User:Rstillday

John C. DeGrasse (Master Sargeant USMC Retired - 1918-1989) Former Art Director of the USMC Leatherneck Magazine, an accomplished combat and later freelance artist. One of the combat Marine artists present at the testing of the atomic bomb, his painting of that event can be seen in the ART OF WAR: Eyewitness U.S. Combat Art from the Revolution Through the 20th Century by Colonel H. Avery Chenowith. DeGrasse was commissioned for the painting of President Eisenhower for the dedication of his Presidential library, was creator of the sculpture for the US Air Force Koren Kolligian award and consigned to do a life sized sea scape for the Chicago World's Fair. His work could be seen in panaromas for the Smithsonian Museum and today some still hang in the National Museum of the Marine Corp in Quantico, Virginia. His friends and coworkers on the Leatherneck were some of the most talented artists of their time, ie; John Clymer (now famous for his western art, selling in the 6 figures) Colonel Charles Waterhouse, Artist in Residence, USMC, Tom Lovell (also now famous for his western art) Lou Lowery (photographer who took the first shot of the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima),Karl Schuon, 30 year editor of the Leatherneck, Chuck Beverige, former Art Director of Leatherneck during the 50's, George Booth, famed cartoonist for The New Yorker and other publications,Fred Laswell, originator of the cartoon strip, Snuffy Smith and many more. Having been born and raised in New England, his personal love of the sea drove him to do hundreds of beautiful sea scapes. M/Sgt. DeGrasse attended the dedication of the statue of Admiral Compte DeGrasse in Yorktown, VA. As a descendant of the Admiral he was invited by the French delegation from Provance Grasse, France. Married to Madonna A. Beaver and father of four daughters.