Description
John Shaw’s masterpiece depicts triple Ace, Clarence E. “Bud” Anderson, in Old Crow (his famous P-51D), defending B-17s of the 100th Bomb Group. As leading ace of the 357th Fighter Group’s 363rd squadron, Anderson achieved the remarkable record of 116 missions without ever being hit by enemy aircraft fire.
The P-51, the greatest Allied fighter produced in WWII, provided the ultimate Bomber Force protection to and from the target area for the first time in the War. Prior to the P-51s introduction into the European Theater, the Bomber Force and its courageous pilots had suffered devastating losses, sometimes as high as 1 in 4 aircraft. With the introduction of this magnificent Fighter, survivability of the Bomber Force crews increased very significantly. The P-51 Mustang had a profound effect on the Allies’ ability to turn the tide of the war over Europe.
THE ACES EDITION
Each print in every edition has been signed by the artist and personally autographed by the following WWII Mustang Pilots:
Colonel CLARENCE E “BUD” ANDERSON: 16 ¼ Victories
Colonel WILLIAM H ALLEN: 5 Victories
Colonel CLINTON D BURDICK: 6 Victories
Colonel ART FIEDLER: 8 Victories
Colonel JOE A PETERBURS: 1 Victory (including an Me262 jet)
Colonel STEVE PISANOS: 10 Victories
Colonel LARRY H POWELL: 5 ½ Victories
Captain CLINT WHITE
THE ARTIST PROOF
Every print in this 11 signature edition carries the additional autographs of a further three WWII Mustang Aces:
Major URBAN “BEN” DREW: 11 Victories
Colonel JAMES L BROOKS: 13 ½ Victories
Colonel ROBERT A KARR: 6 Victories
THE “MIGHTY EIGHTH” VICTORY EDITION
Each copy of this addition has been additionally signed by:
Colonel DONALD M CUMMINGS: 6 ½ Victories (including two Me262 jets)
Colonel CLYDE B EAST: 14 Victories
Captain ELWOOD F. “WOODY” BLONDFIELD (B17 pilot)
THE PUBLISHER PROOF
Each print in this special 16 signature edition includes a me262 pencil sketch by John Shaw and has been further signed by two Luftwaffe pilots:
Oberleutnant KURT SCHULZ: 3 Victories
Leutnant JORG CYPIONKA: 2 Victories
CANVAS GICLÉE EDITION
Using the most sophisticated digital Giclée technology, each Canvas Proof is printed directly on to fine canvas creating the look and feel of an original painting. Each canvas is custom hand embellished by the artist. Size: 42″ x 26″
david416 –
Outstanding print, one of the best in my collection