Details
LAST MAN HOME
by Nicolas Trudgian
Overall Print Size: 36" x 24"
Edition Size: 1000
Secondary Market
If any aircraft deserved to be described as a legend in its lifetime, it was the P-51 Mustang. By the time history's greatest aerial conflict drew to its close over half a century ago, this sleek Merlin-engined single-seater had firmly established itself as the most complete fighter of the war. Whether it was air-to-air combat high in the stratosphere, flying the arduous long-range escort missions, or strafing heavily defended enemy airfields at extreme low-level, the P-51 had no equal. Today, the P-51 Mustang retains its mantle as the most versatile combat fighter the world has ever seen.
Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the end of the War in Europe, "LAST MAN HOME" depicts a scene that was repeated almost daily throughout the long war years. The squadron has returned from a grueling mission and, as the pilots clamber out of their aircraft, all eyes are turned anxiously skyward, awaiting the return of the last man home. Shown are pilots and crew of the 357th Fighter Group at their base in Leiston, Suffolk. One of numerous gallant and successful fighter units based in England, the 357th was the first to be equipped with the new P-51 in the 8th Air Force, and later, with their long-range P-51Ds, flew escort to the first daylight raid on Berlin - since described as one of the fiercest air battles of the war.
Adding great credence to this beautiful, evocative aviation art classic, along with the artist this print was individually signed in pencil by FOUR highly distinguished fighter Aces who flew the P-51 Mustang in combat in the European Theater during World War II:
- Colonel C.E. 'Bud' ANDERSON
- Brigadier General THOMAS L. HAYES
- Captain WILLIAM R. O'BRIEN
- Major RICHARD 'Bud' PETERSON
Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
