THE WARRIOR AND THE WOLFPACK

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.

THE GALLERY EDITION

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

THE MAIN EDITION

Signed by the artist along with of the three fighter Aces involved in the scene:

Generalleutnant GÜNTHER RALL Knights Cross with Oak Leaves & Swords
The 3rd Highest scoring fighter ace in history (275 aerial victories).  Flew with JG-52, 11, 300 and retired at rank of General in NATO

Colonel FRANCIS “GABBY” GABRESKI
56th FG, 61st FS, top USA ace of the European Theater. 34½ victories (28 WWII & 6½ in Korea)

Colonel ROBERT J. “SHORTY” RANKIN
56th FG, 61st FS, 10-aerial victory ace, including 5 in one mission on May 12, 1944.

THE VICTORY EDITION

The five signature Victory Edition print has been additionally signed by:

Colonel WALKER M. “BUD” MAHURIN
56th FG, 63rd FS, 24½ victories (21 in WWII & 3½ in Korea).

Lieutenant CLEON THOMPTON
56th FG, 61st FS, Rankin’s wingman on May 12 mission, Thompson’s first, also scoring his first victory.

THE ARTIST PROOFS AND PUBLISHER PROOFS

These editions include all five signatures of the Victory Edition, the Black and White portrait of Gunther Rall, and a set of photos of the 2001 signing.

THE GICLÉE PROOFS ON CANVAS