Franklin Gritts

Who was Franklin Gritts?

Franklin Gritts, also known as Oau Nah Jusah, or They Have Returned, was a Cherokee artist best known for his contributions to the "Golden Era" of Native American art, both as a teacher and an artist.

During World War II, he served on the USS Franklin, the most damaged ship in the history of the U.S. Navy to return to port. He survived the devastating kamikaze attack on March 19, 1945, but suffered injuries, earning the Purple Heart.

Later in life, he worked as the art director for the Sporting News, the "Bible of Baseball."