Maj. Gen. Frederick C. Blesse, who graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1945, flew two combat tours during the Korean War, completing 67 missions in F-51s, 35 missions in F-80s and 121 missions in F-86s. During the second tour in F-86s, he was officially credited with shooting down nine MiG-15s and one LA-9.
At the time of his return to the United States in October 1952, he was America's leading jet ace.
General Blesse remained with fighter aircraft for practically his entire military career. During the 1955 Air Force Worldwide Gunnery Championship, he won all six trophies offered for individual performance, a feat never equaled. During the Vietnam Conflict, he served two tours in Southeast Asia; while on his first tour in 1967-1968, he flew 156 combat missions.
He retired from the USAF in 1975, with more than 6,500 flying hours in fighter-type aircraft and more than 650 hours combat time to his credit.
Prints are signed by the artist and numbered and include a Certificate of Authenticity
Choose from the following limited editions:
500 Artist Title Editions....$200
50 Artist Title Artist's Proofs....$300
50 Artist Title Canvas Giclees....$4000
100 Ace Giclee Editions*....$350
100 Aces Giclee Editions*....$500
5 Aces Canvas Giclees*....$5000
Paper editions:
Overall size = 41" x 22"
Image size = 32" x 13"
Canvas editions:
30" x 79"
*Aces Editions are accompanied with a certificate of authenticity that includes photographs of the 4 Aces signing the prints.
A North American F-86 Sabre of the 4th FIW is shown flown by Boots Blesse who wound up his military career with 10 confirmed victories.
Signatures:
Ace Edition (paper):
Major General Frederick C. "Boots" BLESSE (10 victories)
Aces Edition Giclees (paper and canvas) include the following Korean War F-86 Aces' signatures:
Maj. General Frederick C. "Boots" BLESSE (10 victories)