- UNIQUE ORIGINAL ARTWORK - SIGNED AND INSCRIBED BY LEGENDARY AFRICAN-AMERICAN WW2 TUSKEGEE FIGHTER ACE -

ARCHER (Lee Andrew 'Buddy', Jr., New York-born African-American fighter pilot in the 332nd Fighter Group, commonly known as the Tuskegee Airmen, during World War II, 1919-2010); VALO (John C., American illustrator, 1963-).

A unique piece of original artwork of North American P-51C Mustang “Ina - the Macon Belle”, signed and inscribed by pilot Lee “Buddy” Archer and by the artist John Valo. 

Original profile painting of a WW2 P-51C Mustang, in airbrush acrylic on wove paper, laid on card. Hand-signed in pencil bottom center by pilot Lee 'Buddy' Archer, who gives full squadron details beneath. It is also signed beneath the painting in pencil by the artist and dated 2001. Presented in a black folder. Sheet size: 63.5cm x 38.3cm (25.1in x 15.2in).

Fine condition. In original 'gallery' condition. Never mounted or framed. Carefully signed by the artist and pilot. Please ask if you require a more detailed condition report, or view gallery images.

A superb one-of-a-kind original artwork of the North American P-51C Mustang "Ina - the Macon Belle", hand-signed and inscribed with squadron details in pencil by its pilot Lee 'Buddy' Archer, as well as by artist John Valo.

Archer gives his rank and nickname, as well as his full squadron details: 'Lt. Colonel Lee "Buddy" Archer / Pilot of "Ina - the Macon Belle" / 302 Fighter Squadron / 332 Fighter Group'.

The artwork was signed by Archer in 2001 at a Tuskegee reunion in Indianapolis, who was very complimentary of Valo's painting.

Lee Archer, Jr. was an African-American fighter pilot in the 332nd Fighter Group, commonly known as the Tuskegee Airmen, during World War II. He was one of the first African-American military aviators in the United States Army Air Corps, the United States Army Air Forces and later the United States Air Force, eventually earning the rank of lieutenant colonel.

During World War II, Archer flew 169 combat missions, including bomber escort, reconnaissance and ground attack. Archer claimed, and was credited with four enemy fighter aircraft shot down, though disputes regarding this record arose after his death.

Archer was one of only four Tuskegee Airmen to have earned three aerial victories in a single day of combat: Joseph Elsberry, Clarence Lester, and Harry T. Stewart Jr.

John C. Valo is an American illustrator, based in Saint Cloud, Minnesota, specialising in aviation art. He produced this artwork in 2001.