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Grumman
F4 Wildcat. American fighter, F-4 Wildcat, in
aviation art prints by aviation artist Robert Taylor, available from
aviationprints.co.uk.
The
Grumman F4F Wildcat was the third monoplane to see carrier service with
the Navy. It was also the fighter aircraft which would carry the brunt
of the fighting in the Pacific until 1943 when the F6F Hellcat would
enter service. The Wildcat was flow by both USN and USMC aviators. The
Wildcat lacked the range and maneuverability of the Mitsubishi Zeros it
often faced, but the Wildcat was more heavily armed and able to take a
lot more punishment than the Mitsubishis. Most of the pilots which
obtained ace status while flying the F4F obtained most of their
victories against Japanese bombers and reconnaissance aircraft. Eight
individuals were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor while
displaying valor while in command of an F4F. The pilots of no other
aircraft during WW II were as highly decorated. One of the most
outstanding of this elite group was USMC Captain Joseph Jacob Foss.
Foss, a South Dakota native, had been accepted as a naval aviation cadet
following his graduation from the University of South Dakota. Foss had
already learned to fly on his own, and had no difficulty earning his
wings. Foss flew with VMF-121 in Guadacanal in 1942 and early 1943. He
was credited with 26 confirmed aerial victories, making him the first
American aviator to reach the victory record of the famed Captain Eddie
Rickenbacker, one of Joes boyhood heroes. The ground based fighter
pilots in Guadacanal were often referred to as The Cactus Air Force.
As the Executive Officer of VMF-121 flying out of Henderson
Field, Joes amazing victory tally helped make VMF-121 the highest
scoring Marine squadron of the War. The success at Guadacanal was not
without a heavy price. More than 20% of VMF-121s pilots did not return
from the campaign. The squadrons best combat day in Guadacanal was on
October 25, 1942. Eighteen aerial victories were credited to the
squadron, with Foss leading the way with five Zeros bagged on two combat
missions. Because it was impossible to permanently assign aircraft at
Guadacanal, Foss flew several different Wildcats, including those
numbered 53, 50, and 84. Nicknamed Swivel-Neck-Joe by some his fellow
pilots, Foss learned early that it did not pay to be surprised by the
opposition. Foss also leaned that the most effective way to down an
opposing aircraft was to get as close to it as possible before utilizing
ones limited supply of ammunition. As depicted in Stan Stokes painting
entitled Tough As Nails, Joe Foss is tangling with a F1M2 Pete on
November 7, 1942. Joes first pass over the much slower float plane
proves ineffective, and the Petes gunner actually stars the portside
glass of Foss windscreen. Circling around, and approaching from below,
the Pete would soon become his eighteenth victory. Returning from this
mission Foss would have to ditch his aircraft. He was rescued by
missionaries and returned to combat flying the next day. Joes second
combat tour in 1943 was cut short due to the ongoing effects of a bout
with malaria. Joe served in the Air Force Reserve after the War reaching
the rank of Brigadier General. Following a successful career in both
politics and professional sports, Foss has remained active and was
instrumental in the formation of the American Fighter Aces Association,
and has served as President of the NRA.
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| Zero Encounter by Robert Taylor. A Japanese Zero condenses the air off its wing tips as its pilot hauls his fighter inside a Marine F4F Wildcats determined attack. The two adversaries cavort the air in a desperate duel high over the island of Guadalcanal. The sky is alive with fighting aircraft as F4Fs and Zeros are locked in deadly combat. Below, clearly visible throught the clear tropical air is the prize over which they do battle: A single tiny airstrip on a small hill, humid, almost uninhabitable island - A priceless possession providing the key to air supremacy in the South Pacific. Signed limited edition of 1250 prints. Paper size 34 inches x 26 inches (86cm x 66cm). Price £460.00 Signed by Marion Carl, Brigadier General Joseph J Foss, Shiro Ishikawa and Saburo Sakai. ITEM CODE AX0036 |
| The Element of Surprise by Robert Barbour. On 20th October 1943, Wildcat and Avenger aircraft from the Carrier US Core, on patrol north of the Azores, surprised U378, a type VIIC U-boat which had been active in that area. The element of surprise was so complete that the submarines guns remained unmanned throughout the action. Signed limited edition of 1250 prints. Image size 17 inches x 12 inches (43cm x 31cm). Price £45.00
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 17 inches x 12 inches (43cm x 31cm). Price £95.00
Original painting by Robert Barbour. . Price £650.00 ITEM CODE DHM0760 |
| Attack on the Hiei by Robert Taylor. Marine Ace Captain Joe Foss leads a flight of eight F4F Wildcats of VMF121, based at Henderson Field, Guadalcanal, in a diversionary attack on the Imperial Japanese battlecruiser Hiei north of Savo Island, Friday November 13, 1942. In the distance TBF Avenger torpedo bombers of VMSB-131, having already attacked from the starboard side, head for base. That evening, after relentless air attack, the Hiei, disappeared beneath the sea- the first Japanese battleship sunk by American Forces in World War II Signed limited edition of 475 prints. Image size 34 inches x 24 inches (86cm x 61cm). Price £195.00 Signed by Brigadier General Joseph J Foss, Lt Colonel Roger Haberman, Lt Colonel William B Freeman and Colonel T W Boot Furlow.
Limited edition of 25 artist proofs. Image size 34 inches x 24 inches (86cm x 61cm). Price £320.00 Signed by Brigadier General Joseph J Foss, Lt Colonel Roger Haberman, Lt Colonel William B Freeman and Colonel T W Boot Furlow.
Limited edition of 50 millenium proofs. Image size 34 inches x 24 inches (86cm x 61cm). Price £390.00 Signed by Brigadier General Joseph J Foss, Lt Colonel Roger Haberman, Lt Colonel William B Freeman, Colonel T W Boot Furlow, Lt Colonel Ronnie Hay and Commander Don Sheppard. ITEM CODE DHM2436 |
| The Magnificent Fight by John D Shaw. The valor shown by those who defended Wake Island against impossible odds from the day of the first Japanese attack on December 8th 1941 through December 23rd 1941, has never been surpassed. Though generally known as the battle which brought the US Marine Corps worldwide admiration in World War Two, men of the US Navy, Army and certain civilians also fought with distinction. Though suffering great hardship as Prisoners of War, the spirit of this group was never broken, and remains steadfast to this day amongst those who live to tell first hand the story of a truly Magnificent Fight. Signed limited edition of 425 prints. Paper size 36 inches x 22 inches (91cm x 56cm). Price £150.00 Signed by 3 F4F Pilots : Robert O Arthur, John F Kinney and David D Kliewer
Special limited edition of 425 prints. Paper size 36 inches x 22 inches (91cm x 56cm). Price £195.00 Signed by 31 Wake Island defenders. ITEM CODE DHM2637 |
| The Unlucky Eight by Stan Stokes. James Elms Swett was born in Seattle, Washington on June 15, 1920. He attended San Mateo Junior College in California, and entered the Navys flight training program during his second year of college. In April of 1942 Jim received his wings and was commission as a second lieutenant in the USMC at Corpus Christi, Texas. Swett arrived at Guadacanal for his first combat duty tour in March of 1943. Assigned to VMF-221 Swett flew the older F4F Wildcat, whereas the more experienced pilots in his squadron flew the newer and more advanced F41J Corsair. On April 7, 1943 Swett would get his first taste of aerial combat, and it would be a day for the record books. More than 150 Japanese bombers attacked Guadacanal on April 7 h . Hurling his four plane division into a formation of fifteen enemy aircraft, Swett personally splashed three Japanese Val bombers before his aircraft was hit with antiaircraft fire, and he became separated from his division. While proceeding alone to Florida Island, Swett encountered another six enemy planes. He downed four more Vals before he was winged by the rear gunner of a fifth. The young USMC Lieutenant recovered and moved in to take out another Val. He put a short burst into the rear gunners position, but at this point his ammunition gave out. In spite of his wounds, a partially disabled engine, and a shattered windscreen, Swett was able to crash land his Wildcat in the waters off of Tulagi, breaking his nose in the process. For his heroic actions in his first combat, Jim Swett was awarded the countrys highest honor, The Congressional Medal of Honor. Promoted to Captain, the ace-in-a-day bagged four more enemy aircraft on June 30, and on July 11 he added two more before both he and his wingman were shot down over Rendova Island. After four days at sea, and badly sunburned and dehydrated, the USMC ace was rescued by native fisherman and taken to a Navy patrol boat. Later in his combat tour, during the battle for Bouganville, Swett would shoot down three more enemy planes. Returning to the States in late 1944, Swett was sent to Santa Barbara for carrier familiarization. He married the former Loie Anderson of Oakland, California in January 1945. After completing his carrier qualification course, he was assigned to the USS Bunker Hill, Admiral Marc Mitshners flag ship. In May of 1945 during the battle for Okinawa, which witnessed horrific kamikaze attacks, Swett would bag one more enemy aircraft. However, the Bunker Hill was severely damaged, and many crewmen, including 29 Marines, were killed. Swett left active duty in 1945, but remained active in the USMC reserve until his retirement with the rank of Colonel in 1970. Jim Swett ended the War with a total of 16 1/2 confirmed aerial victories. He has had the honor of seeing two of his sons and one of his grandsons follow in his Marine Corps footsteps. Signed limited edition of 500 prints,. Size 22 inches x 18 inches (56cm x 46cm). Price £94.00 Signed by Medal of Honor recipient Col James Swett. ITEM CODE STK0077 |
| Tough as Nails by Stan Stokes. The Grumman F4F Wildcat was the third monoplane to see carrier service with the Navy. It was also the fighter aircraft which would carry the brunt of the fighting in the Pacific until 1943 when the F6F Hellcat would enter service. The Wildcat was flow by both USN and USMC aviators. The Wildcat lacked the range and maneuverability of the Mitsubishi Zeros it often faced, but the Wildcat was more heavily armed and able to take a lot more punishment than the Mitsubishis. Most of the pilots which obtained ace status while flying the F4F obtained most of their victories against Japanese bombers and reconnaissance aircraft. Eight individuals were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor while displaying valor while in command of an F4F. The pilots of no other aircraft during WW II were as highly decorated. One of the most outstanding of this elite group was USMC Captain Joseph Jacob Foss. Foss, a South Dakota native, had been accepted as a naval aviation cadet following his graduation from the University of South Dakota. Foss had already learned to fly on his own, and had no difficulty earning his wings. Foss flew with VMF-121 in Guadacanal in 1942 and early 1943. He was credited with 26 confirmed aerial victories, making him the first American aviator to reach the victory record of the famed Captain Eddie Rickenbacker, one of Joes boyhood heroes. The ground based fighter pilots in Guadacanal were often referred to as The Cactus Air Force. As the Executive Officer of VMF-121 flying out of Henderson Field, Joes amazing victory tally helped make VMF-121 the highest scoring Marine squadron of the War. The success at Guadacanal was not without a heavy price. More than 20% of VMF-121s pilots did not return from the campaign. The squadrons best combat day in Guadacanal was on October 25, 1942. Eighteen aerial victories were credited to the squadron, with Foss leading the way with five Zeros bagged on two combat missions. Because it was impossible to permanently assign aircraft at Guadacanal, Foss flew several different Wildcats, including those numbered 53, 50, and 84. Nicknamed Swivel-Neck-Joe by some his fellow pilots, Foss learned early that it did not pay to be surprised by the opposition. Foss also leaned that the most effective way to down an opposing aircraft was to get as close to it as possible before utilizing ones limited supply of ammunition. As depicted in Stan Stokes painting entitled Tough As Nails, Joe Foss is tangling with a F1M2 Pete on November 7, 1942. Joes first pass over the much slower float plane proves ineffective, and the Petes gunner actually stars the portside glass of Foss windscreen. Circling around, and approaching from below, the Pete would soon become his eighteenth victory. Returning from this mission Foss would have to ditch his aircraft. He was rescued by missionaries and returned to combat flying the next day. Joes second combat tour in 1943 was cut short due to the ongoing effects of a bout with malaria. Joe served in the Air Force Reserve after the War reaching the rank of Brigadier General. Following a successful career in both politics and professional sports, Foss has remained active and was instrumental in the formation of the American Fighter Aces Association, and has served as President of the NRA. Signed limited edition of 4750 prints. Print size 16 inches x 11.5 inches (41cm x 30cm) Supplied with signed and numbered certificate of authenticity.. Price £37.00
Signed by USN Ace Capt Joseph J Foss. Signed limited edition of 225 prints. Size 16 inches x 11.5 inches (41cm x 30cm). Price £164.00 ITEM CODE STK0079 |
| In Gallant Company by Robert Taylor
Signed by Jefferson de Blanc, Joe Foss, Bob Galer, Jim Swett, Ken
Walsh
Tough as Nails by Stan Stokes.
The
Grumman F4F Wildcat was the third monoplane to see carrier service with
the Navy. It was also the fighter aircraft which would carry the brunt
of the fighting in the Pacific until 1943 when the F6F Hellcat would
enter service. The Wildcat was flow by both USN and USMC aviators. The
Wildcat lacked the range and maneuverability of the Mitsubishi Zeros it
often faced, but the Wildcat was more heavily armed and able to take a
lot more punishment than the Mitsubishis. Most of the pilots which
obtained ace status while flying the F4F obtained most of their
victories against Japanese bombers and reconnaissance aircraft. Eight
individuals were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor while
displaying valor while in command of an F4F. The pilots of no other
aircraft during WW II were as highly decorated. One of the most
outstanding of this elite group was USMC Captain Joseph Jacob Foss.
Foss, a South Dakota native, had been accepted as a naval aviation cadet
following his graduation from the University of South Dakota. Foss had
already learned to fly on his own, and had no difficulty earning his
wings. Foss flew with VMF-121 in Guadacanal in 1942 and early 1943. He
was credited with 26 confirmed aerial victories, making him the first
American aviator to reach the victory record of the famed Captain Eddie
Rickenbacker, one of Joes boyhood heroes. The ground based fighter
pilots in Guadacanal were often referred to as The Cactus Air Force.
As the Executive Officer of VMF-121 flying out of Henderson
Field, Joes amazing victory tally helped make VMF-121 the highest
scoring Marine squadron of the War. The success at Guadacanal was not
without a heavy price. More than 20% of VMF-121s pilots did not return
from the campaign. The squadrons best combat day in Guadacanal was on
October 25, 1942. Eighteen aerial victories were credited to the
squadron, with Foss leading the way with five Zeros bagged on two combat
missions. Because it was impossible to permanently assign aircraft at
Guadacanal, Foss flew several different Wildcats, including those
numbered 53, 50, and 84. Nicknamed Swivel-Neck-Joe by some his fellow
pilots, Foss learned early that it did not pay to be surprised by the
opposition. Foss also leaned that the most effective way to down an
opposing aircraft was to get as close to it as possible before utilizing
ones limited supply of ammunition. As depicted in Stan Stokes painting
entitled Tough As Nails, Joe Foss is tangling with a F1M2 Pete on
November 7, 1942. Joes first pass over the much slower float plane
proves ineffective, and the Petes gunner actually stars the portside
glass of Foss windscreen. Circling around, and approaching from below,
the Pete would soon become his eighteenth victory. Returning from this
mission Foss would have to ditch his aircraft. He was rescued by
missionaries and returned to combat flying the next day. Joes second
combat tour in 1943 was cut short due to the ongoing effects of a bout
with malaria. Joe served in the Air Force Reserve after the War reaching
the rank of Brigadier General. Following a successful career in both
politics and professional sports, Foss has remained active and was
instrumental in the formation of the American Fighter Aces Association,
and has served as President of the NRA.
Attack on the Hei by Robert Taylor Marine Ace Captain Joe Foss leads a flight of eight F4F Wildcats of
VMF121, based at Henderson Field, Guadalcanal, in a diversionary attack
on the Imperial Japanese battlecruiser Hiei north of Savo Island, Friday
November 13, 1942. In the distance TBF Avenger torpedo bombers of
VMSB-131, having already attacked from the starboard side, head for
base. That evening, after relentless air attack, the Hiei, disappeared
beneath the sea- the first Japanese battleship sunk by American Forces
in World War Two Signatories: Joe Foss, William Freeman, Boot
Furlow, Roger Haberman. |
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