ONLY ONE LEFT!

A brand new, superb quality, highly restricted limited edition from the studio of the world's pre-eminent aviation artist, having prints endorsed with the original signatures of distinguished veterans that flew the mighty B-17 Fortress in the war-torn skies of Europe during the greatest air war ever fought.

Robert portrays 'Skipper', one of the longest serving B-17 Fortresses of the war, returning to Thurleigh on a cold afternoon in late January 1945. Flying with the 367th Squadron of the 306th Bomb Group, 'Skipper' was badly damaged in November 1944, repaired and returned to service to finish the war with over 100 combat missions flown. Depicted here, the bare metal replacement section in the tail, and several flak patches, have yet to be repainted by her busy ground crew.

With the aid of Robert Taylor's sensitive representation, it is not difficult to imagine the thoughts and feelings of the returning aircrew as they see the runway at Thurleigh stretched out before them, welcoming them home as they make their final approach. An outstanding and invaluable addition to the portfolios of all discerning aviation art collectors.

Overall Print Size: 30 1/8'' wide x 24 5/8'' high

Every print in this brand new commemorative edition has been signed in pencil by FOUR pilots who flew B17 Fortresses with the Eighth Air Force in combat during World War II. Each print is also signed by artist Robert Taylor, and individually hand-numbered.

Major PAUL H. GREER
After arriving in England, the first of Paul Grteer's 35 combat missions took place on a freezing cold New Year's Day, 1945, as co-pilot on B17s. Flying out of Thurleigh in Bedfordshire with the 368th squadron, 306th Bomb Group ('The Reich Wreckers'), the oldest operational Bomb Group
in the 8th Air Force, Paul flew a total of 31 missions on Fortresses as co-pilot, and a further 4 as lead pilot. Amongst other targets in Germany, he went on the big raids to Dresden and Schweinfurt, and led missions to Berlin, on which he come under heavy attack from the Luftwaffe's fast Me262 jet fighters. 

Lieutenant Colonel WILLIAM P. KINCHELOE
Bill Kincheloe joined the service in April 1942, training as a pilot. He was posted to England to join the 327th Squadron, 92nd Bomb Group ('Fame's Favoured Few'), based at Podington in Bedford, flying B17s. His first combat mission was on 18 December 1943, when the 92nd went to Kiel, and in the following months other notable targets included the heavily defended factories at Schweinfurt. Bill flew a total of 28 raids to the Reich during hes tour, all on B17s, and six of which he commanded. After World War II Bill flew KC135s durnig the Vietnam War. He retired from the service in 1972. 

First Lieutenant DON NIELSEN
A Pilot with the 457th Bomb Group, Don Nielsen had joined up in February 1943, originally training for combat flying on B24 Liberators. In November 1944, < he was posted to England, joining the 751st Squadron, 457th Bomb Group at Glatton flying B17s - first as co-pilot and then as First Pilot, undertaking the first combat of his tour on 12 December 1944. On 3 February 1945 he took part in the big raid on Berlin, which was the heaviest concentration on the German capital so far in the war, encountering some of the most intense and accurate flak ever experienced by the Eighth. During his tour Don took part in a total of 34 raids, all on B17s.
 
Captain ROBERT PARIS
Joining up in June 1940, Bob Paris qualified with dual rating s pilot and navigator, flying a total of 52 combat missions on B17s. Posted first to the 8th Air Force in England, Bob flew with the 325th Squadron of the 92nd Bomb Group, completing his first mission in October 1942. In November he was posted to join the 12th Air Force in Noth Africa, again with B17s, joing the 342nd Squadron of the 97th Bomb Group Amongst others, he participated in raids on the Italian fleet in Trieste and Gorizia, the battle of Kasserine Pass, at Palemo during the Invasion of Sicilly, as well as raids on the Italian mainland. Bob flew a total of 52 combat missions on B17s, and was Lead Navigator of many 100-plane missions.