Jes Wilhelm Schlaikjer

Jes Wilhelm Schlaikjer (1897–1982) was an American artist, most known for his recruitment and war bond posters during World War II.

Early life Schlaikjer was born during a storm at sea on the maiden voyage of the SS Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse.

The Schlaikjer family lived in Ohio and Johnstown City, Kentucky, before settling down on a farm in Carter township, Tripp County, South Dakota, in 1907. Jes Wilhelm was the firstborn of five children: Arthur, Oscar, Hugo, and Erich. His cartoons were featured in a local newspaper in Carter, South Dakota, when he was 13 years old.

After the war, Schlaikjer set up a portrait studio in Washington D.C.

He was a member of the National Academy of Design, the Grand Central Art Gallery, the Artists Guild, the American Legion, the Armor and Arms Club, the First Division Society, and the Salamagundi Club. He forged iron and made medieval armor, swords, shields, cutlery, and guns. During this time, the tools to make armor could not be bought, so Schlaikjer had to make all of his own tools.

On August 21, 1982, Schlaikjer died of Parkinson's disease at the age of 84.

Legacy Schlaikjer has had permanent exhibitions in the following places: National Academy of Design Ranger Collection United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland United States Department of War American Red Cross National Headquarters Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. United States Department of State in Washington D.C. Nelson Gallery, Kansas City, Missouri University of Indiana Marine Corps School of Quantico, Virginia Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City