Description

A HIGHLY COLLECTIBLE PRINT PERSONALLY AUTOGRAPHED BY PILOTS OF THE FIGHTING RED TAILS THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN By Richard Taylor P-51’s of the famed Tuskegee Fighting Red Tails wind down at their airbase in Italy after a grueling long range Bomber escort mission over occupied territory. A welcome sight for the bomber crews during daylight raids over Europe, the renowned all-black Pilots of the Tuskegee Airmen became famous for their exceptional bomber escort record. Despite fighting prejudice and discrimination they were often specifically requested by the bomber crews themselves. THE SIGNATURES Printed and signed some years ago this striking limited edition was reproduced from an original drawing by Richard Taylor. The print is individually numbered and personally hand signed by the artist and Five Fighter Pilots who flew in combat with the 332nd Fighter Group – the Tuskegee Airmen – during WWII: Lt Col LEO R. GRAY – he joined the 100th FS, arriving in Italy on March 14, 1945, quickly having a close encounter with two Me-262s while escorting home a damaged P-38. Flying on long range escort missions in P-51's, he also flew P-40s and P-47s in combat. Lt Cl GEORGE E. HARDY – he joined the 99th FS, 332nd FG at Ramitelli, Italy in 1945, and flew 21 combat missions in the P-51 Mustang on bomber escort duty and fighter sweeps. During Korea he flew 45 combat missions in B-29s, and during the Vietnam War flew 70 combat missions in AC-119K gunships. 2nd Lt LOWELL STEWARD – entering the Tuskegee flight school in July 1942, he was posted to Europe to join the 100th FS, 332nd FG flying P-51s. During his service Lowell flew 143 combat missions with the 100th Fighter Squadron on Bomber Escort and low level strafing missions remaining in the service until July 1946. Lt Col WILLIAM H. HOLLOMAN – from September 1944 he flew P-51s in Italy with the 99th FS, 332nd FG on bomber escorts and fighter sweeps. During the Korean War he became the first black helicopter pilot in the US Air Force evacuating wounded soldiers and was recalled to active duty in 1966, serving in Vietnam. Lt Col ALEXANDER JEFFERSON – he flew P-51's with the 332nd FG at Ramitelli, Italy, on long range escort missions for B-17 and B-24 bombers. On August 12, 1944 he was shot down by ground fire while strafing coastal radar installations, spending the rest of the war as a POW, and was liberated by General Patton’s 3rd Army. These prints were signed back in 2007 and unfortunately many Tuskegee veterans have sadly since passed on, making this edition impossible to replicate these days. It is the perfect piece for collectors of WWII aviation and historic autographs alike and a great acquisition before prices start to climb on the secondary market. ALSO AVAILABLE FRAMED & SHIPPED – please inquire for details BUY WITH CONFIDENCE: We have been in business for over 25 years and our items are guaranteed to be in perfect condition, unless clearly specified otherwise. SHIPPING: Our prints are rolled in acid free tissue and shipped in large, thick shipping tubes and matted and framed pieces are 'flat packed' in substantial packaging. O ur shipping is insured and guaranteed. YOUR PIECE OF MIND: As a reputable company, if any issues do arise we don't expect our customers to deal with it. So if there are any problems such as with condition, delivery or damages then we will take care of it with a replacement or your money back. Please note: The signatures on all of our pieces are fully certified original, hand-signed autographs by the veterans involved.