Ernst Wille was a German painter. From 1936-40 he studied at Cologne’s art school, then was drafted into the German army. On D-Day he was captured by the Allies, then sent to the POW camp at Fort Niagara, N.Y. While there he painted a mural in the Officers Club called American History.
After World War II ended, he returned to Germany and studied at the Munich Art School, then launched a lengthy and acclaimed career as a painter and educator.
For more information on Ernst Wille, visit http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernst_Wille_(Maler). (See English translation here.)