This outstanding painting depicts 1stSgt Bruce Bieber, US Army. Noted artist Tom Lea painted the 1stSgt on assignment to Life Magazine. An article about Top Bieber appeared in the magazine’s 7 July 1941 defense issue.
Mr. Lea’s charge was to do a portrait of a Soldier who epitomized the look of an old Army NCO, so he chose 1stSgt Bieber as his subject. The Top was serving with Antitank Co, 9th Infantry Regiment (Manchu) at the time.
1stSgt Bieber enlisted in 1918 and served in the United States during World War I. During World War II, he was commissioned as a captain and retired in 1948. He died in 1985 and is buried in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Tex.
The 9th Infantry Regiment ranks among the most storied units in the US Army. Since its establishment in 1798, the Regiment has fought in wars large and small across the face of the globe. Earning the title Manchu for combat during the Chinese Boxer Rebellion in 1900, the Ninth has served at various times and wars with the 2nd, 7th, and 25th Infantry Divisions.
At the time of the Boxer Rebellion, Colonel Emerson Liscum commanded the Regiment. During the Relief of Tientsin, China, on 13 July 1900, the Boxers put up fierce resistance as the Manchus pushed forward into the city. The Regimental color bearer was shot dead by a sniper, and Colonel Liscum picked the colors up. As he did so, he was mortally wounded, uttering the immortal words, “Keep up the fire” before he died. These words are still the Regimental motto.
Never forget,
Mark