Led by their Commanding Officer Major George Preddy, highest scoring ace in the 8th Air Force, P-51 pilots of the 328th FS, 352nd Fighter Group engage in a bitter struggle with Fw190s in the cold winter air high over Merseburg, eastern Germany. Above, B-17s of the Mighty Eighth turn for home after delivering yet another heavy blow to the enemy’s infrastructure, Tuesday 21 November 1944.
The three squadrons of P-51 Mustangs that made up the 352nd Fighter Group contained a remarkable collection of fearless young aviators who, among other things, provided more “Aces in a Day” than any other P-51 Group in any theater. These were pilots such as George Preddy – the highest scoring P-51 Mustang Ace in the Eighth Air Force – who downed 6 Me109s in a single day, and Don Bryan with 5 victories in a day. No less than twenty nine of the USAAF’s top aerial Aces in Europe were also from the 352nd, and twelve 352nd pilots scored aerial victories over the revolutionary German jet fighters.
To commemorate the men who flew with the 352nd Fighter Group during World War II, Richard Taylor has created his magnificent painting, Masters of the Sky. This outstanding limited edition is issued with the masterful companion drawing PREPARING FOR ACTION.
THE BLUE NOSE EDITION SIGNATURES
Along with artist Richard Taylor, the two prints in this ELEVEN signature Collector's Edition have been individually signed by five prominent ground crew in the unit and six highly regarded 352nd Pilots, including Don Bryan one of the 352nd's highest scoring Aces :
THE MAIN PRINT
First Lieutenant WALTER “JACK” DIAMOND – 1 victory
Lieutenant Colonel DONALD BRYAN – 13 1/3 victories
Captain GEORGE MIDDLETON – 2 victories
Captain ROBERT “PUNCHY” POWELL – 2 victories
Lieutenant Colonel RAYMOND MITCHELL – 1 victory
Lieutenant CHARLES PRICE
THE COMPANION PRINT
'Preparing for Action' is personally signed by five veterans who served with the 352nd in Europe as ground crew, vital for the success of the unit's Fighter Pilots:
Staff Sergeant ARTHUR SNYDER – Crew Chief to George Preddy
Staff Sergeant JAMES BLEIDNER – Armorer
Master Sergeant RALPH MCLAIN – Radar Operator
Staff Sergeant BILL STRAUB – Aircraft Mechanic
Corporal HOWARD POLIN – Weather Squadron Meteorologist
This powerful two print set depicts one of the most legendary Aces of WWII, George Preddy and the original autographs make 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 a former 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.