SAFE PASSAGE HOME
by John D ShawFlying his P-51C “Kitten,” Lt Charles McGee and Mustangs of the 332nd Fighter Group escort B-24s of the 459th Bomb Group as they begin the journey back to their base in Italy after a daylight bombing mission, summer 1944. Known as the “Red Tails,” these all-black pilots gained a reputation for their unequaled record of safely protecting their bombers, often being specifically requested for this duty by the bomber crews themselves.
In 1941, at the height of racial segregation in the US, a group of young, predominantly African - American men would be trained as Fighter Pilots at the Tuskegee Army Flying School in Alabama.Knowing that their example would set the stage for future generations, the Tuskegee Airmen held themselves to the highest of standards. With unyielding self determination they were forged into an elite unit of fighter pilots and their contribution eventually paved the way for racial integration in the military services.
The young pilots of what was to become famously known as the Tuskegee Airmen first went into action in Italy in May 1943.Contending with prejudice from certain quarters within the air force and much of the press, they were equipped with second-hand P-40 Warhawks and later P-47 Thunderbolts however in July 1944, they formed the 332nd Fighter Group at Ramitelli Airfield. Now equipped with P-51 Mustangs with bright red spinners and tails, they became lastingly known as the“Red Tails”
Under the strict leadership of Colonel Benjamin O. Davis, who insisted his men stay close to the bombers they were escorting, rather than pursuing enemy fighters, their dedicated task was to protect the bomber forces……and they excelled! Flying until the end of hostilities over Southern Europe and eventually as far as Berlin, their record for protecting their bombers was second to none, and that iron discipline would earn the ‘Tuskegee Airmen’ the respect of hundreds of bomber crews.
One of the many units regularly escorted by the Red Tails was the 459th Bomb Group, 15th Air Force. The Group began flying missions out of Giulia Airfield in Italy from March 1944 over most of Europe, including France, Yugoslavia, Hungary, Germany and Greece. Flying almost 200 combat missions, the 459th successfully attacked numerous targets including oil refineries, railroads, heavy industry, communication lines and bridges. The unit was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation for its daring raid against airfields in Bad Voslau on April 23rd, 1944, hitting the target despite a barrage of flak and enemy fighters.
This powerful piece by one of the world’s most accomplished and widely collected Aviation Artists, John Shaw, is released as a lasting tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen and the brave bomber crews who endured those grueling missions in the skies over occupied Europe during WWII.
THE SIGNATURES
The print is individually numbered and personally signed by the artist along with two highly distinguished veterans who were involved in the scene depicted in John Shaw’s painting:
Brigadier GeneralCHARLES McGEE(P-51 Mustang‘Kitten’)Staff SergeantCORLISS NORTON(B-24‘Cherokee Maiden’)This print is one of only 250 copies produced worldwide and is a great opportunity to acquire a historic collectors item.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 isinsured andguaranteed.
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.
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