Walker Hancock (1901-1998) was a sculptor known for monumental works adorning war memorials, depicting presidents, and showing religious themes. He was born in St. Louis and attended the School of Fine Arts at Washington University and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. His work can be found at the Pennsylvania Railroad World War II Memorial in Philadelphia; the National Cathedral in Washington, DC; the United States Military Academy at West Point; the Library of Congress; the United States Supreme Court Building; and the United States Capitol. Hancock was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1989 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1990, in addition to many other awards and recognitions.

During and after World War II, Hancock served as one of the “Monuments Men.” This group worked to identify and reclaim art stolen by the Nazis, in addition to protecting national treasures and historic monuments as the Allied forces moved through Europe.

The four statues adorning the entrances to Soldiers Memorial in St. Louis were commissioned as part of a New Deal program, the Federal Art Project, and installed in 1939. The statues, Courage, Loyalty, Sacrifice, and Vision, commemorate the qualities demonstrated by soldiers and their families.