Description
As their Carrier USS Bunker Hill powers into the face of the enemy, US Navy Hellcats of VF-9 and Corsairs of VF-17 “Jolly Rogers”, launch a blistering response to a huge Japanese air assault on the US Carrier Group, during the Allied campaign against Rabaul, 11th November 1943. Through a barrage of anti-aircraft fire from Fleet Carriers Bunker Hill, Essex and Independence, the US Navy Fighters combine their efforts to bring down a Nakajima “Kate” torpedo bomber.
Following the Japanese invasion of the British Solomon Islands in early 1942, the Allied Pacific Fleet began a campaign to capture these strategic areas, in particular to neutralize the Japanese threat to Australia and New Zealand. The campaign saw some of the most important Naval Battles in History such as the Battles of the Coral Sea and Midway. The Allies eventually turned their attention to the major Japanese stronghold of Rabaul, launching Operation Cartwheel in early 1943.
THE SIGNATURES
The print is individually numbered and personally hand-signed by the artist along with iconic Corsair and Hellcat Aces:
Lieutenant LESTER GRAY USN Hellcats / 5 1/2 victories
Colonel JAMES SWETT Medal of Honor – USMC Wildcat and Corsairs / 15 ½ victories
Colonel ROBERT BRUCE PORTER USMC Corsairs & Hellcats / 5 victories
Ensign DONALD McPHERSON – USN Hellcats / 5 victories
Captain PHILIP De GROOT USMC Corsairs
This copy has been further enhanced with a stunning original Double pencil remarque, hand drawn by
artist John Shaw and within the matting are the autographs of four more legendary Pacific Aces, including the leader
of the Jolly Rogers:
Lieutenant Colonel KEN WALSH Medal of Honor – USMC VMF-124 Corsair Ace / 21 victories
Brigadier General JOSEPH “JOE” FOSS Medal of Honor – USMC Wildcat Ace / 26 victories
Captain TOM BLACKBURN – Commander of VF-17 “Jolly Rogers” scored a victory on this action / 11 victories
Brigadier General ROBERT GALER Medal of Honor – USMC VMF-224 Wildcat Ace / 13 victories
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