High Noon

Details

HIGH NOON
by Robert Bailey

Overall Print Size: 33" x 22"

Edition Size: 50

Secondary Market

On June 1, 1942, the Army Air Forces activated the 100th Bombardment Group (Heavy) (100th BG). On June 25, 1943, the 100 BG flew its first Eighth Air Force combat mission in a bombing of the Bremen U-boat yards -- the beginning of the 'Bloody Hundredth' legacy. The group inherited the "Bloody Hundredth" nickname from other bomb groups due to the amount of losses it took. In the early summer of 1943, 100 BG became a "marked outfit" by Luftwaffe fighters after a B-17 pilot first lowered his landing gear to surrender to three Messerschmitt Bf 109s, started to descend after the fighters stopped shooting, then changed his mind and the B-17 gunners shot the three fighter aircraft (one Bf 109 pilot bailed out and presumably reported the event). The group experienced several instances where it lost a dozen or more aircraft on a single mission, and for the next six months, the group focused its bombing attacks against German airfields, industries, and naval facilities in France and Germany.

"HIGH NOON" features the famous 'Bloody Hundredth' Bomb Group! On March 6, 1944, the 100th Bomb Group B-17's are en route to blitz targets in Germany when they are viciously attacked by the Luftwaffe. 'Nelson King' suffers serious tail damage from a German fighter, but manages to stagger back to the base in England.

In additions to the artist this print was authenticated and personally signed in pencil by FIVE aircrew who flew on this mission:

• 2Lt JOHN B. GIBBONS (49 missions-was later promoted to Major and piloted 'Miss Irish')
• S/Sgt W. BUSCHMEIER (waist gunner on 'Miss Irish')
• Captain ROBERT J. SHOENS (pilot of 'Our Gal Sal')
• TSgt DONAL B. HAMMON (Radio Operator Gunner on 'Our Gal Sal')
• S/Sgt EDWARD R. STONE (ball turret gunner on 'Our Gal Sal')

Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.