Details
HELLCAT FURY (ACES EDITION)
by Robert Taylor
Overall Print Size: 35" x 24"
Edition Size: 450
Secondary Market
Truk, the small atoll in the South Pacific, was the major anchorage for the Japanese Fleet. Comprising a magnificent harbor and four heavily defended airfields, it was thought impregnable by the US forces as they fought their way up through the Pacific. But on 16-17 February 1944 a violent two-day aerial assault by carrier-?born aircraft of Task Force 58 exploded the myth. In just two days the US Navy flyers sank over 200,000 tons of Japanese naval shipping and destroyed an estimated 275 enemy aircraft, totally eliminating all effectiveness of the Japanese base. Light as the US Navy losses were - only 25 aircraft failed to return - the battle for Truk was ferocious. The ground installations, ships, and airfield batteries put up intense anti?aircraft fire against the attacking American aircraft, while Zeros did their best to repel the onslaught. The air above the atoll became a maelstrom of flak, tracer, flying lead, and shrapnel, while below huge explosions rocked the ground as ammo and fuel dumps were hit, fires raged, and the acrid smoke of battle pervaded the entire area.
"HELLCAT FURY" brings to life the scenario that was crucial to Admiral Spruance's forceful drive through the Central Pacific. The once feared Japanese base at Truk is being reduced to a statistic of war. Hellcats of VF6 hurtle across the lagoon at masthead height with guns blazing, creating havoc as they tear into the enemy positions below. Seen in the foreground is the F6F-3 of Lt. Alex Vraciu, subsequently to become one of the Navy's top guns. This exhilarating work dramatically conveys the awesome conditions endured day after day by the pilots of the US Navy and Marine Corps in the Pacific.
Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
In addition to the artist this print was individually signed by three Aces who flew the Hellcat in combat:
Commander WILLIS E. HARDEY
Commander HAMILTON McWHORTER
Commander ALEX VRACIU
