340 - Original Artwork By Frank Thiele With Clarence DeYong Custom Knife

"Inception" 

By Frank Thiele, US Army (Ret.)

28 inches wide, 14 1/2 inches tall, 3/4 thick

with Custom Clarence DeYong Custom Knife

About the Artwork

This one-of-a-kind work of art was handcrafted by retired Army Sergeant Frank Thiele, who uses his talent as a means of therapy for PTSD. Frank served 17 years and was medically retired after injuries sustained in Iraq. "Using my hands keeps the demons away."

When Frank created this piece he envisioned the beach of Fort Pierce Florida, where the NCDU “Naval Combat Demolition Unit” later becoming UDT/Frogmen first started training on June 6, 1943.

The placement of the SEAL Trident represents the location where the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum now resides. The coins were included to represent all SEAL Teams, which are found on the back side of the Museum's challenge coin.

Each piece is custom made with exceptional attention to detail and materials chosen. Crafted from acacia wood and epoxy resin with metallic flaking, this piece is an original. It took more than a month to create using multiple layers of resin to execute an authentic ocean.

Displayed as part of the beach scene is a handcrafted knife, created especially for the Museum. The custom knife is one of only three made.

About the Knife

DeYong Knife, 1 of 3 custom made for the National Navy SEAL Museum

9” drop point handle; green and black vulcanized G10 carbon fiber with a brass guard and mosaic pins blade; hand forged and blued 52100 high carbon steel. All knives from DeYong Knives are individually numbered. Each knife comes with an 8-10 oz leather sheath that has been made specifically for that knife. Each knife also comes with a Certificate of Authenticity that describes the knife.  

“I am honored that you have chosen one of my knives. I work hard to make each knife unique. The design, materials, and finish have all been chosen to best complement each other and make the knife very functional and interesting. Thank you for your support and enjoy your DeYong Custom Knife!” – Clarence DeYong