For Conquer We Must

Rene Paul Chambellan, For Conquer We Must, 1945, bronze, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the heirs of Albert Laessle: Mrs. Albertine de Bempt Laessle, Mr. Albert M. Laessle and Mr. Paul Laessle, 1972.167.31
Copied Rene Paul Chambellan, For Conquer We Must, 1945, bronze, 2 7⁄8 in. (7.3 cm) diam., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the heirs of Albert Laessle: Mrs. Albertine de Bempt Laessle, Mr. Albert M. Laessle and Mr. Paul Laessle, 1972.167.31

Artwork Details

Title
For Conquer We Must
Artist
Commissioner
Society of Medallic Arts
Founder
Medallic Art Company
Date
1945
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
2 7⁄8 in. (7.3 cm) diam.
Credit Line
Gift of the heirs of Albert Laessle: Mrs. Albertine de Bempt Laessle, Mr. Albert M. Laessle and Mr. Paul Laessle
Mediums
Mediums Description
bronze
Classifications
Subjects
  • Figure group — male
  • Object — weapon — sword
  • Object — other — feather
  • Object — other — flag
  • Occupation — military — soldier
Object Number
1972.167.31
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1972.167.31

Artwork Description

The end of World War II was a popular theme among American medalists. The obverse side of Rene Paul Chambellan’s medal re-creates the famous photograph of  U.S. Marines raising the American flag on Iwo Jima, first taken on February 23, 1945, by Marine Corps photographer Sergeant Lou Lowery. The reverse shows an unsheathed sword with the legend “For conquer we must,” excerpted from the Star Spangled Banner.