Before the Storm by James Dietz

Formed in early 1941, long before events at Pearl Harbor, a small group of American fighter pilots volunteered to fight the mighty Japanese Air Force which was sweeping imperiously through Indo-China. Known as the American Volunteer Group – or just more simply as THE FLYING TIGERS – during their brief six-month period of combat, and with rarely more than 50 serviceable fighters at their disposal, this small band managed to destroy some 300 Japanese aircraft. Yet, having blazed their way into history, their brief existence came to an abrupt end when on 4 July 1942, the AVG was officially disbanded, absorbed into the USAAF.

To commemorate the legendary exploits of the AVG, Jim Dietz, one of America’s most talented aviation artists, has created Before the Storm, a powerful painting depicting the Flying Tigers operating their Curtis P-40s in Burma. Sharing their rugged airstrip with a squadron of RAAF Brewster Buffalos, the AVG prepares to launch a hurried take-off to intercept yet another incoming Japanese air raid.

Signatures (Matted editions only):

Brigadier General David L. ‘Tex’ HILL - 2nd Squadron (Panda Bears), later the 23rd FG / 18 1/4 victories

Colonel Edward ‘Ed’ RECTOR - 2nd Squadron (Panda Bears), later the 23rd FG / 10 1/2 victories

Lieutenant Colonel Donald ‘Don’ LOPEZ - 75th FS, 23rd FG / 5 victories

Brigadier General Wiltz ‘Flash’ SEGURA - 75th FS, 23rd FG / 6 victories

Major General John R. ALISON - 75th FS, 23rd FG / 6 victories