TO HELL AND BACKby Anthony SaundersOPERATION TIDAL WAVE - THE PLOESTI MISSION
Flying at low-level over the AstraRomana oil refinery at Ploesti during OperationTidal Wave, on Sunday1 August 1943, Lt James Merrick powers his B-24 Liberator \'Lil De-icer\' through walls of burningdebris as time-delayed bombs, dropped in error by an earlier attack, begin toexplode beneath him and the others of the 98th Bomb Group. With theelement of surprise lost, and taking heavy losses in the process, the 98thbravely continue to hold their course as the roaring tongues of flame and densesmoke erupt around them.
Oil was vital to every army in World War II: no army, navy or air force could move without it. Deprive Hitler’s armed forces of oil and the effect would be devastating.This dramatic painting was released to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of Operation Tidal Wave, pays tribute to the heroes who flew the epic Ploesti mission on 1 August 1943.
THE SIGNATURES
This prints are personally signed by three aircrew who took part in the epic mission, helping to make this one of the most memorable depictions of the Ploesti raid. Their contribution gives even greater meaning to this commemorative edition, providing enthusiasts with a historic and valuable collectors’ piece.
CaptainCHARLES D.CAVIT
CaptainANDREW W.OPSATA
SergeantRICHARD E.TUTTLE
This historic mission was one of the costliest for the USAAF in the European Theatre, with 53 aircraft and 660 air crewmen lost. It was proportionally the most costly major Allied air raid of the war, and its date was later referred to as \"Black Sunday\". Five Medals of Honorand 56 DFCsalong with numerous others awards were awarded to Operation Tidal Wave crew members. A 1999 research report concluded that the Ploesti mission was \"one of the bloodiest and most heroic missions of all time.\"
Please note:The prints in my store are hand-signed by the veterans involved in thepainting so the signatures are original autographs and not reproductions.
The certificate of authenticity is included.CONDITION:My items are guaranteed to be in perfectcondition, any issues are clearly detailed in the description.
SHIPPING:As a former aviation art retailer I have shipped countless prints overthe years. My prints are rolled in acid free tissue and shipped in heavy dutytubes, and the shipping isinsured andguaranteed.
Ifyou are interested in more than one item I will always do my best to combinethe shipping to save costs – please just ask.
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