Date of birth:

October 19th, 1913 (Hamilton/Ohio, United States)

Date of death:

March 30th, 1987 (Cincinnati/Ohio, United States)

Nationality:

American (1776 - present, Republic)

Service number: 32091477.

Frank Besedick was born in Hamilton, Ohio on October 19, 1913. At the early age of 4, he showed an interest and ability in art and was especially noted for his detailed drawings of the local railroad yard. During his senior year in high school, Besedick was awarded an art scholarship from the Scholastic Magazine, enabling him to attend Vesper George Art School in Boston for two years. The following year, he studied at the National Academy of Design in New York, under the direction of Hobart (Henry Hobart) Nichols. In 1936-37, he was awarded a scholarship to study at the Tiffany Foundation in Oyster Bay, New York.

In 1938-39, Besedick was involved the Works Progress Administration(WPA) Art Project in New York City. His work from this period consisted of etchings, lithographs, and pencil sketches reflecting inner city and suburban everyday life--the American Scene Movement; some of which are in the permanent Fine Print Collection in the Library of Congress. Elected to the Who's Who in America, member of the Society of American Etchers, the National Arts Club, the Arts Students League, and the Southern Printmaker's Society, many pieces were selected and recognized in several exhibitions. During this time, he also developed a friendship with Ernest Roth, frequently pulling proofs in his New York Studio. In 1940, Roth recommended Besedick for a fellowship at André Smith's Research Studio in Maitland, Florida.

While at Research Studio, Besedick experimented with a variety of media producing many works. Most notable being a series of watercolors entitled "A Shadow Fall On Beaverbrook." This series was displayed in a one man show at the Ferargil Gallery in New York City in 1941. Besedick was not able to view the Ferargil Exhibit as he had already been drafted on 14th May 1941 into the Armed Services.

Upon induction into the United States Army, Besedick's artistic talents were recognized and he became an official soldier-artist in the Fourth Armored Division. He produced many works for the Fourth Armored Division while on maneuvers in the Mohave Desert as well as providing pen and ink illustrations for the book "FROM THE BEACH TO BAVARIA" during the European campaign.

Following the war, Besedick returned to Ohio and raised a family while working in both the commercial and fine arts fields. Besedick died on March 30, 1987.

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• Photo 1: US Army photo
• - Fox, Don M., Patton’s Vanguard – The United States Army Fourth Armored Division, McFarland & Company, Jefferson, North Carolina, USA, 2003
  - Besedick Family via Susan Besedick
  - NARA-AAD