The Warrior and the Wolfpack by John Shaw – Ten Signature Framed Collector’s Piece

Description

On May 12, 1944 during homeland defense operations, Major Günther Rall, commanding Me109s from JG11, attacked a group of U.S. P-47 Thunderbolts of the 56th Fighter Group – Zemke’s Wolfpack – nearly downing its famed leader, “Hub” Zemke. Shortly thereafter, Rall found himself trapped in a formation of “Jugs,” employing for the first time an aerial strategy developed by their brilliant group leader, known as the “Zemke Fan.” Outnumbered and outgunned by four Wolfpack P-47s, it was only by his extraordinary skill and experience that Rall managed to escape disaster, losing his left thumb in the process, very likely from shots fired by “Shorty” Rankin who was leading the chase.

By the war’s end, Günther Rall had achieved a remarkable 275 air victories, making him the 3rd-highest scoring ace in history. After the war, this legendary pilot would not only become close friends with Zemke and many of the Wolfpack pilots, but he would also come to consider the U.S. his second home, even playing a large role in the U.S. Air Force’s F-104 program.

This copy of Warrior and the Wolfpack is individually numbered and signed by the artist John Shaw and issued with two unframed companion prints:  A pencil portrait of Günther Rall and The Final Battle pencil print, reproduced from John’s original working drawing of Warrior and the Wolfpack (both pictured above).

THE SIGNATURES

The main print is framed and conservation matted to include museum quality reproduction wings and the additional original autographs of legendary Wolfpack and JG52 Aces, including Pilots who were involved in the incident:

JG 52 – The Most successful fighter wing in history

Generalleutnant GÜNTHER RALL Knights Cross with Oak Leaves & Swords – the third Highest scoring fighter ace in history, retired as a NATO General / 275 victories

Oberst ERICH HARTMANN Knights Cross with Oak Leaves Swords & Diamonds –  the highest scoring Ace in history / 352 victories

General JOHANNES “MACKY” STEINHOFF Knights Cross with Oak Leaves & Swords – 176 victories

Oberleutnant WALTER WOLFRUM Knights Cross – 137 victories

Generalmajor DIETRICH HRABAK Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves – 125 victories

The 56th Fighter group – The Wolfpack

Colonel ROBERT ‘SHORTY’ RANKIN – The Pilot who’s shot very likely hit Günther Rall’s thumb / 10 victories

Colonel HUB ZEMKE – Founder and Commander of the 56th and one of the most influential leaders in Europe/ 17¾ victories

Colonel ROBERT JOHNSON – The second highest scoring Ace in the 56th and second US Ace in Europe / 27 victories

Colonel FRANCIS “GABBY” GABRESKI – highest scoring Ace in the 56th and top US ace in Europe / 34½ victories (including 6½ in Korea)

Colonel WALKER “BUD” MAHURIN – the third highest-scoring Ace in the 56th, first American double Ace in Europe and the only US Pilot to claim victories in Europe, the Pacific and Korea / 24¼ victories (including 3½ in Korea)

This classic piece by one of the world’s most collected aviation artists includes astounding original autographs, in fact these signatories amassed a staggering 1178 victories between them,  making it a historic piece and a stunning centerpiece for any collection.