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.
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 Gallery Edition 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 FRAMING
The main print is framed and conservation matted to include museum quality reproduction wings and the additional original autographs of two Wolfpack Aces and two JG52 Aces.
Colonel ROBERT ‘SHORTY’ RANKIN
56th FG, the Pilot who’s shot hit Günther Rall’s thumb- 10 victories
Colonel HUB ZEMKE
Commander of the 56th FG, the top scoring P-47 Group of the War – 17 ¾ victories
Generalleutnant GÜNTHER RALL Knights Cross with Oak Leaves & Swords
The 3rd Highest scoring fighter ace in history (275 victories). Flew with JG-52, 11, 300 and retired at rank of General in NATO
Oberst ERICH HARTMANN Knights Cross with Oak Leaves Swords & Diamonds
The highest scoring Ace in history – 352 victories
This classic piece by one of the world’s most collected aviation artists makes the perfect centerpiece for any collection.
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