Jes Wilhelm Schlaikjer

Jes Wilhelm Schlaikjer was born on the SS Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse as his parents were emigrating from Germany to America. His family eventually settled down in Tripp County, South Dakota. Schlaikjer enlisted in the Army during World War I and after which stayed in Europe to study at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Lyons. He later studied under Robert Henri at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago. Schlaikjer painted covers for pulp magazines and illustrated for various publications including Scribner's, Collier's, Redbook, Women's Home Companion, and Cosmopolitan. Schlaikjer is best known for his World War II propaganda posters. He also was a blacksmith that made medieval armor and weapons for fun.