Oakley SI and James Dietz Memorial Collection

Some of you've had the pleasure of working at the Pentagon; those same people know we are abusing the word pleasure. But, most of you haven’t and you’ll have to take our word for it when we say you'll have to look hard to find an office in the Pentagon without a James Dietz print hanging on the wall.

Dietz's artwork is as iconic and recognizable in military circles as a Norman Rockwell print. He's sought out by military members across the world for his ability to combine many aspects of a fight into a single tableau, memorializing effort and sacrifice and preserving the fleeting memory of what is likely one of the most pivotal moments in the lives of the men and women involved in the action he portrays.

Oakley SI commissioned Dietz to produce artwork that celebrates and honors those that have served. Dietz made three sketches of firearms that are central to larger Dietz prints, each depicting noteworthy battles in modern American military history. The sketches are displayed on the inner temple of special editions of Oakley’s SI Fuel Cell, SI Crankshaft and SI Frogskin eyewear. The print that inspired each of the sketches is reproduced on the storage bag included with each set of shades.

Oakley SI and James Dietz Memorial Collection

The SI Fuel Cell features an M4 sketch and is inspired by Dietz's print, “I shall defeat them on the field of battle” depicting the 75th Ranger Regiment's fight in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

SI Frogskin – “Silencing the Guns”

The special edition SI Frogskin ($120) features a sketch of an M1 Garand, inspired by the painting “Silencing the Guns” shown above, depicting Lt. Dick Winters (of Band of Brothers fame) who met with Dietz to help craft the painting of WWII's D-Day action.

SI Fuel Cell – “I Shall Defeat Them on the Field of Battle”

The special edition SI Fuel Cell ($130) features a custom sketch of an M4 carbine, inspired by his painting “I Shall Defeat Them on the Field of Battle” depicting action seen by the 75th Ranger Regiment during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Oakley SI's Drew Wallace says Dietz met with members of 2/75 at their home station of Ft. Lewis to paint some of the guys.  

SI Crankshaft – “Task Force Ranger”

The special edition SI Crankshaft ($140) features a sketch of an M2 .50 caliber machine gun inspired by the painting “Task Force Ranger” that depicts action from the Battle of Mogadishu (an episode also known as Black Hawk Down). Dietz met with many of the operators and soldiers involved in the fight and held a large dedication ceremony for the unveiling of the painting.

Here's Oakley's video with Dietz explaining his feelings on Memorial Day:

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