Shepler, Dwight Clark

Dwight Clark Shepler (August 11, 1905 - September 2, 1974) was an American painter and naval officer who served as an artist during World War II. Born in Everett, Massachusetts, Shepler studied art at Williams College and graduated in 1928. He also took classes at the Boston Museum School of Fine Art. He was a member of the American Artists Professional League and the American Artists' Group. He volunteered for the U.S. Navy in 1942 and, once the Navy was made aware of his education and talent as an artist, assigned him to the newly-created unit of 'officer-artists' as a lieutenant junior grade. He was 36 and had a successful career as an artist in Boston. Shepler saw action in the South Pacific aboard the USS San Juan, on Guadalcanal with the Marines, and aboard the USS Emmons off the coast of Normandy on D-Day. He also saw action in the Philippines. After V-J Day, he was informed that the Navy planned to demobilize him, but he requested an extension so he could finish the paintings he had planned. He completed over 300 paintings during his time in the Navy. He ended up staying in the Navy until 1947 because he was commissioned to complete two murals at the United States Naval Academy. He retired with the rank of Commander and was awarded the Bronze Star for his work. After his time in the service, Shepler continued to work as an artist. He worked as the artist for several mapping expeditions to Mt. Kennedy and Mt. McKinley. He also painted landscapes, sports scenes, and portraits. He died in Weston, Massachusetts.