"Company Of Heroes", by Robert Taylor, 2001

By 1945, the mighty American 8th Air Force had been instrumental in reducing German cities and industrial sites to barely recognizable piles of rubble, with a daylight bombing campaign that often involved over a thousand aircraft. Noted aviation artist Robert Taylor captures a moment in time in April, 1945, when the 34th Bomb Group, flying Boeing B 17G's returns to base at Mendlesham, England. The day is winding down, with long rays of sunlight glancing across the airfield, as the air crews assemble for debriefing. Combat damage is evident on one Flying Fortress as it taxies in, and the missions last arrival prepares to land with three engines turning, the fourth feathered and streaming vapor. As if on cue, the fickle English weather clears as a squall line passes over the airfield. The great conflict in Europe is nearly over, and Robert Taylor masterfully brings us back to a time when remarkable skill and bravery were the order of the day. This stunning print is example #9 in an Artist's Proof edition of only 60 worldwide. Print is signed by the artist and Lieutenant Colonel Robert W. Dees (Air Medal with 5 Oak Clusters) and Captain Rolland H. Whited, (DFC), pilot of Queenie (foreground). Attractively framed in rough-textured dark wood with anti-reflective glass. Dimensions: 37 x 27. Image size: 26 x 16. Supplied with Certificate of Authenticity from the Military Gallery, Bath, England.