THE DOOLITTLE RAIDERS by Robert Taylor signed by 14 Doolittle Raiders

Description

THE DOOLITTLE RAIDERS
By Robert Taylor
Published specially to commemorate the historic 'Doolittle' raid on Tokyo, April 18, 1942.
Doolittle Raiders take their B-25 bombers down to very low level and head for China after delivering their surprise attack on the industrial and military targets in and around Tokyo on April 18, 1942. The sixteen-ship mission, led by volunteer crews, successfully completed one of the most audacious air raids of World War II.
At 8.20am on April 18, 1942, just four months after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, a small force of B-25 Mitchell bombers under the command of Colonel Jimmy Doolittle, took off from the aircraft carrier Hornet. Unlike any other mission before or since, the crews departed on their dangerous journey with the full knowledge that each was on a one-way ticket.
The mission assignment was to make a strike at the heart of Imperial Japan, panic the high command into diverting men and machines from offensive to defensive duties, and to give an America still reeling from Pearl Harbor, a massive boost in morale. They achieved all of these, and in so doing effected what became one of the most remarkable air raids of World War II.
The orders were precise: At low-level, fly some 800 miles over water into hostile territory, without escort fend off attacks from air and ground fire over the target then, with insufficient fuel to make the return journey, fly the B-25s on towards China until the gas ran out. Then bail out, ditch, or crash-land, avoid capture, and somehow find a way home.
Every man was a volunteer. Each knew the dangers. Some paid with their lives.
In Robert Taylor's powerful painting we look into the tense faces of the crew of a B-25 as it leaves the target area, its pilot bringing the ship right down onto the landscape, next stop China! Smoke plumes high in the air as following aircraft dodge the flak; With possibly the worst to come, the Doolittle Raiders head out into the unknown.
Soon, with tanks empty, and in gathering darkness, eleven crews will bail out, three will ditch in coastal waters, and two will crash-land. Two crews will be taken prisoner; seven men will never return.
THE SIGNATURES
The print is individually numbered and personally signed by the artist along with FOURTEEN
pilots and crew that flew on the famous Doolittle Raid on that fateful day in April 1942:
Lt. Col.
RICHARD E. COLE
–
Jimmy Doolittle’s Co-Pilot, Crew #1 - Target Tokyo
Col
HENRY A. POTTER
–
Jimmy Doolittle’s Navigator, Crew #1 - Target Tokyo
Maj. Gen.
DAVID M. JONES
–
Pilot, Crew #5 - Target Tokyo
Lt. Col.
CHASE J. NIELSON
– Navigator / Bombardier, Crew #6 - Target Tokyo
S/Sgt
DAVID J. THATCHER
–
Flight Engineer/Gunner, Crew #7 - Target Tokyo
Maj
NOLAN A. HERNDON
– Navigator / Bombardier, Crew #8 - Target Tokyo
Capt
J. ROYDEN STORK
–
Co-Pilot, Crew #10 - Target Tokyo
Lt. Col.
FRANK A. KAPPELAR
– Navigator / Bombardier, Crew #11 - Target Yokohama
Lt. Col
HARRY C. McCOOL
–
Navigator,
Crew #4 - Target Tokyo
Lt. Col.
JAMES H. MACIA
– Navigator / Bombardier, Crew #14 - Target Nagoya
Lt. Col.
ROBERT L. HITE
– Co-Pilot, Crew #16 - Target Nagoya
S/Sgt
REV JACOB DeSHAZER
– Bombardier, Crew #16 - Target Nagoya
Major
THOMAS C. GRIFFIN
–
Navigator / Bombardier, Crew #9 -Target Tokyo
Col.
HOWARD SESSLER
–
Navigator/Bombardier, Crew #15 - Target Nagoya
Published in 1999, this sold out edition has become and very sought after on the secondary market and is a rare opportunity to acquire a stunning limited edition print carrying so may authentic autographs of the famous Doolittle Tokyo Raiders.
ALSO AVAILABLE FRAMED & SHIPPED -
Please ask for details
We will always do our best to combine shipping on multiple purchases whenever possible – please ask.
BUY WITH CONFIDENCE: We have been in business for over 20 years and our items are guaranteed to be in perfect condition, unless specified otherwise.
SHIPPING: Our prints are rolled in acid free tissue and shipped in large, heavy duty shipping tubes. matted & framed pieces are 'flat packed' in substantial packaging. Our 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, store credit or your money back.
Please note: The signatures on our pieces are not reproductions, they are original autographs, hand-signed by the veterans involved.