The Story Behind Marine Corps Print
"Hanging It Up"

The subject: a soft green World War II Marine issue jacket, carefully arranged on a hanger, adorned with battle ribbons, the insignia of First Sergeant, and seven hash marks on the sleeves. The cap is tucked just inside the collar, and beside the jacket hangs a leather belt, a brass whistle, and a “swagger stick.” The whole ensemble looks as though it were put away carefully on the closet door, to be ready when duty next calls. Entitled “Hanging it Up,” the realistic painting captures exactly the color and feel of the scratchy wool fabric, as well as the sheen of light against polished leather and brass. It is a poignant song of a uniform once worn proudly.

Painted by WWII veteran and portrait artist John A. Sclavos, “Hanging it Up” is a tribute to a fellow veteran and long-time friend, Charles Patrinos (1920-2006). Patrinos was a 1 st Sergeant in the Marine Corps and served his country for 30 years. Much of his service was spent overseas—Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Guam and Okinawa during WWII, two combat tours in Korea and another two in Vietnam. He was awarded the Silver Star and two Purple Hearts during his long military career, and continued to be involved with veterans on his return home.

Patrinos first met Sclavos when they served together in the Korean War. He was called “Chuck” by his friends, but John always called him “Pat,” and the two corresponded over the years. Once he was discharged, Pat came to visit the Sclavos home, and their friendship deepened.

“He came to visit us every year,” says John, “and we spent a week or two together. He was a very good friend.”

Before the war, John grew up in the restaurant business, which he learned from his father, Constantine “Gus” Sclavos. For 44 years he owned and operated a popular Delaware eatery, The Glasgow Arms Restaurant, which is where he met the artist Frank E. Schoonover of Brandywine School fame. He began studying under Schoonover part-time, and over the years has been commissioned to paint many portraits which hang in public buildings, board rooms, universities, and private homes from Connecticut to Florida.

“Hanging it Up” is a tribute to a dear friend, however, and John won't be parted from the original.