Running the Gauntlet by Robert Taylor

Running the Gauntlet, a superb painting by Robert Taylor, shows Me262s of JV44 returning to base in southern Germany, having come under attack from P-51 Mustangs of the 353rd Fighter Group. Almost out of fuel and ammunition, the Me262s have little option but to complete their landing sequence, hoping fervently they are not “bounced” by American fighters loitering in the area. They are out of luck on this occasion, and although Galland has organised a unit flying Focke-Wulf Fw190D-9s to provide air cover in the area of the airfield, they too have been caught by the 353rd Fighter Group’s surprise attack. At the relatively slow speed required on final approach, the Me262’s handling is sluggish and the pilot is having enough trouble without the attentions of a bunch of P-51 pilots. At this point the JV44 Me262 remains unscathed, and with the arrival of the Fw190s, there is the possibility this particular jet pilot will survive the day.

Signatures:

THE ACES EDITION

Major General DONALD J. STRAIT

Lieutenant Colonel CLYDE B. EAST

Leutnant NORBERT HANNIG

Leutnant WALTER SCHUCK

THE WAR IN EUROPE EDITION
All the above plus:

Colonel DONALD CUMMINGS

Brigadier General ROBIN OLDS

Major ERIC RUDORFFER

Leutnant ALFRED AMBS

THE GENERAL’S EDITION
All the above plus:

Captain JIM BROOKS

Colonel WALKER ‘BUD’ MAHURIN

Generalleutnant ADOLF GALLAND

Feldwebel ERNEST GIEFING

THE PORTFOLIO PROOFS – THE CONCEPT DRAWING
All the above plus:

Colonel HERSCHEL "HERKY" GREEN (main print)

General JOHANNES STEINHOFF(matted signature)

Generalleutnant WALTER KRUPINSKI(matted signature)