Description

TO HELL AND BACK by Anthony Saunders OPERATION TIDAL WAVE - THE PLOESTI MISSION Flying at low-level over the Astra Romana oil refinery at Ploesti during Operation Tidal Wave, on Sunday 1 August 1943, Lt James Merrick powers his B-24 Liberator 'Lil De-icer' through walls of burning debris as time-delayed bombs, dropped in error by an earlier attack, begin to explode beneath him and the others of the 98 th Bomb Group. With the element of surprise lost, and taking heavy losses in the process, the 98 th bravely continue to hold their course as the roaring tongues of flame and dense smoke 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. Captain CHARLES D. CAVIT Captain ANDREW W. OPSATA Sergeant RICHARD 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 Honor and 56 DFCs along 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 the painting so the signatures are original autographs and not reproductions. The certificate of authenticity is included. CONDITION: My items are guaranteed to be in perfect condition, any issues are clearly detailed in the description. SHIPPING: As an aviation art retailer I have shipped countless prints over the years. My prints are rolled in acid free tissue and shipped in heavy duty tubes, and the shipping is insured and guaranteed. If you are interested in more than one item I will always do my best to combine the shipping to save costs – please just ask.