'Skipper', one of the longest serving B-17 Fortresses of the war, returning to Thurleigh in East Anglia on a cold afternoon in late January 1945. Flying with the 367th Squadron of the 306th Bomb Group, ‘Skipper’ was badly damaged in November 1944, repaired and returned to service to finish the war with over 100 combat missions flown. Depicted here, the bare metal replacement section in the tail, and several flak patches, have yet to be repainted by her busy ground crew.
From the summer of 1942 until the end of hostilities, the USAAF’s Eighth Air Force took the battle to enemy-occupied Europe every single day that weather permitted. The largest air unit ever to go to war, the Eighth played a vital role in the ultimate defeat of Hitler’s Germany. In the forefront of this awesome fighting force, the crews of the mighty B-17 Flying Fortress will be remembered forever.
The print is individually numbered and personally signed by four highly distinguished Aircrew who flew the B-17 in combat during World War II.
Major PAUL GREER
Lieutenant Colonel WILLIAM KINCHELOE
Flight Lieutenant DON NIELSEN
Captain ROBERT PARIS
This powerful image represents a unique piece that is not
often seen. The original signatures are amazing making this the perfect
collector’s item for aviation and WWII enthusiasts.
Please note: The prints in my store are hand-signed by the veterans involved in the
painting so the signatures are original autographs and not reproductions.
The certificate of authenticity is included.
CONDITION: My items are guaranteed to be in perfect
condition, any issues are clearly detailed in the description.
SHIPPING: As an aviation art retailer I have shipped countless prints over
the years. My prints are rolled in acid free tissue and shipped in heavy duty
tubes, and the shipping is insured and guaranteed.
If
you are interested in more than one item I will always do my best to combine
the shipping to save costs – please just ask.