Midway Strike Against the Akagi by Robert Taylor – Framed

Description

This is one of the finest action portrayals of an SBD Dauntless dive-bomber ever published; with perforated dive flaps fully extended, you can almost feel the redoubtable Dauntless shuddering as it hurtles down almost vertically upon the already burning flight deck of the Japanese carrier Akagi to deliver the coup-de-grace during the Battle of Midway in June 1942. As the ever watchful rear gunner scans the sky behind for enemy fighters, the artist treats us to a fantastic pilot’s-eye view that few of us will ever experience!

Some of the most famous pilots of them all flew at the Battle of Midway, and this superb piece is personally signed by no less than six such men. Legendary SBD pilots Dick Best, Lew Hopkins and Bob Elder were three; there was also Bill Esders who flew TBD-1 torpedo bombers at Midway; Marion Carl, the celebrated first US Marine Corps Ace of World War II who ended his combat career with 18½ air victories and Scott McClusky with 14 air victories;

THE SIGNATURES

This classic Robert Taylor artwork is a rare and unique collector’s piece that combines one of the best artistic depictions of an SBD Dauntless ever painted, with the signatures of six courageous pilots who played such a significant role in the Battle of Midway. It provides a lasting reminder of a mighty victory in the Pacific.

Lieutenant Commander DICK BEST – SBD Pilot / scored the direct hit that finished the Akagi
Captain ROBERT ELDER – TBD Pilot / the only survivor of Torpedo Sqn 3
Major General MARION CARL – Wildcat Pilot / 18 ½ victories
Commander BILL ESDERS – SBD Pilot / attacked the Akagi
Captain SCOTT MCCUSKEY – Wildcat Pilot / 13 1⁄2 victories
Rear Admiral LEW HOPKINS – SBD Pilot / attacked the Akagi

Additionally, this Publisher Proof copy has been framed and conservation matted to include the original signatures of:

Colonel JIM SWETT Medal of Honor – USMC Wildcat Ace / 15 ½ victories
Captain STANLEY ‘SWEDE’ VEJTASA – USN VS-5 Wildcat Ace / 10 ¼ victories
Commander ALEX VRACIU – VF6 USN Hellcat Ace / 19 victories
Colonel ROBERT BRUCE PORTER USMC / 5 victories

As a Publisher Proof, this print is issued with a framed companion pencil print: EYES OF THE PACIFIC, which is signed by:

Captain JACK REID – PBY Pilot / the first aircraft to sight the Japanese Fleet, it was his radio message that began the Battle of Midway

This is an increasingly rare print that carries outstanding autographs. Since the release of the movie “Midway” – which featured “Dick” Best, one of the signers on the print – this piece become highly prized amongst both collectors and history buffs alike.