Description
While escorting a formation of B-17s back from their target in Germany, 2nd Lt Clinton Burdick and P-51D Mustangs of the 356th Fighter Group intercept an attacking Schwarm of Fw190s south of Dümmer, 14 January 1945. During the savage dogfight the Luftwaffe Fighters are completely overwhelmed, and Burdick claims two Fw190’s in quick succession, putting him on the verge of Ace status.
With the festivities of Christmas now past, the New Year of 1945 dawned to one of the coldest winters for many years. The relentless pounding of German industry by US and RAF bombers continued unabated and Allied Infantry, Airborne and Armored Divisions advanced towards Berlin from the Netherlands and Belgium. Hitler’s once indomitable armies were in retreat.
But still Germany was not defeated. On the ground its forces fought with relentless aggression during the Battle of the Bulge, and in the air the expert Pilots of the once fabled Luftwaffe responded with renewed intensity, in a desperate attempt to turn the tide as the Allies grew ever closer to the Reich. The Pilots of the USAAF faced a daunting challenge against these battle-hardened “Luftwaffe Experten”, and some of the most brutal encounters took place during these last few months of the war in Europe.
This powerful painting by John Shaw recalls a furious encounter on 14 January 1945. While escorting a formation of B-17s over Germany, P-51D Mustangs of the 356th Fighter Group dive into a Schwarm of marauding Fw190s, completely overwhelming the Luftwaffe Fighters. In the thick of the action is 2nd Lt Clinton Burdick, who claims the first of two Fw190s during the encounter as his .50 caliber machine guns destroy the German Fighter’s hydraulics.
One of only five aerial Aces in the 356th, it was perhaps natural that Burdick would join the Air Force on his 18th birthday as his father was also a Fighter Ace during the First World War. They made history as the only known pair of American father-son flying Aces.
In the 80th Anniversary year of this historic period, this powerful release from one of the world’s most remarkable Aviation Artists, is a lasting tribute to the brave Pilots who fought in Europe during the intense final stages of the War.
THE SIGNATURES
Joining artist John Shaw this print is signed by Seven P-51 Mustang Aces who fought throughout the War in Europe. In preparation for this release, the archival paper sheets used to create the edition were personally signed some years ago by iconic Mustang Aces, giving collectors a rare opportunity to acquire a new release personally endorsed by the men who fought these epic battles.
Captain CLINTON BURDICK – 356th Fighter Group / 5 ½ victories
Lieutenant Colonel ROBERT KARR – 52nd Fighter Group / 6 victories
Lieutenant Colonel CLYDE EAST – 10th Photo Recon Group / 14 victories
Captain JIM BROOKS – 31st Fighter Group / 13 victories
Colonel STEVE PISANOS – 4th Fighter Group / 10 victories
Major BILL ALLEN – 55th Fighter Group / 5 victories
Lieutenant Colonel BOB GOEBEL – 31st Fighter Group / 11 victories
This print is conservation framed by our expert team to include the original autographs of a further Eight distinguished Mustang Pilots
Major General CARROL ‘RED’ McCOLPIN – 71, 133 Sqn RAF, 404th FG/ 12 victories
Major General DONALD STRAIT – 356th FG, Thunderbolt and Mustang Ace / 13 ½ victories
Major “KIT” CARSON – 357th Fighter Group / 18 ½ victories
Charlie BECK?
Colonel HERSCHEL “HERKY” GREEN – 325th FG Mustang Ace / 18 victories
Major General WAYNE GATLIN – 356th Fighter Group Mustang Pilot / 1 victory a Me262 Jet
Colonel CLARENCE “BUD” ANDERSON -357th Fighter Group Mustang Ace/ 16 ¼ victories
Major RICHARD ‘BUD/PETE’ PETERSON – 357th FG, Mustang Ace / 15 ½ victories
Lieutenant Colonel CHARLES E. BECK – 356th Fighter Group Mustang Ace / 6 victories
This copy has been returned to John Shaw’s studio to be further enhanced with one of the most breathtaking remarques we have ever seen. John has drawn an entire scene in original pencil and is absolutely stunning creating a true Pièce unique!
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