Description
The American Volunteer Group prepares for business out on the firing range in China, 1942. In this scene, AVG ace “Tex” Hill looks over the shoulder of armorer Chuck Baisden as the engines are run up and the wing guns are test-fired on one of the Flying Tigers’ P-40s. Bore-sighting the guns of a Tomahawk in these primitive conditions required leveling the plane, often on the tailgate of a flatbed truck, and adjusting the fire of all guns to converge at a predetermined distance. The expertise and ingenuity of the AVG armorers, crew chiefs and maintenance personnel meant the difference between life and death for pilots who daily confronted the enemy, which ultimately earned the Flying Tigers worldwide fame.
The painting Shark Sighting was completed in 2007. One interesting detail, which fans of the AVG can appreciate, is that the artist wanted to include elements to honor all 3 squadrons, while maintaining historic accuracy (all three never flew together at once following their training period in Burma). Representing the 3rd “Hell’s Angels” squadron are: Armorer Chuck Baisden (in cockpit) and crew chief Leo Schramm (on tail), arming Tomahawk # 68, flown by the AVG’s first ace, Duke Hedman. Representing the 2nd “Panda Bears” squadron is one of the Tigers’ greatest and well-loved aces, David Lee “Tex” Hill, who did indeed fly various 3rd squadron planes on occasion. Those with sharp eyes will notice near the front wheels, a green apple and dark snake winding its way through the grass, which symbolizes the AVG’s 1st Squadron, the “Adam & Eves,” who displayed the apple & snake insignia on the fuselages of their aircraft.
THE SIGNATURES
Published in 2007, the print is personally hand-signed by Eleven AVG Veterans:
Armorer CHUCK BAISDEN (3rd Sq.)
Clerk Operations PAUL CLOUTHIER (3rd Sq.)
Squadron Leader DAVID “TEX” HILL (2nd Sq.) – 18 ¼ victories (the AVG’s joint second second highest scoring Ace)
Propeller Mechanic ED JANSKI (HQ Sq.)
Flight Leader KEN JERNSTEDT (3rd Sq.) – 10 ½ victories
Flight Leader ROBERT “BUSTER” KEETON (2nd Sq.) – 3 ½ victories
Crew Chief FRANK LOSONSKY (3rd Sq.)
Armorer JOE POSHEFKO (3rd Sq.)
Communications Officer RICH RICHARDSON (HQ Sq.)
Flight Leader DICK ROSSI (1st Sq.) – 6 ¼ victories
Flight Leader PETER WRIGHT (2nd Sq.) – 3 ¾ victories
This copy has been conservation framed and matted by our expert team to include the original autographs of three more highly respected Pilots of the original AVG – the Flying Tigers.
Colonel EDWARD “ED” RECTOR – 10 ½ victories
Lieutenant Colonel CHARLES “CHUCK” OLDER – 10 victories
Flight Leader ERIK SHILLING – 1 victory (four of his machine guns were removed for photo-reconnaissance)
A stunning collector’s item, perfect for fans of the Flying Tigers.
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