Pacific Glory by Anthony Saunders

Anthony Saunders’ stunning painting graphically recalls a moment during the Allied fight-back. On 5 October 1943, ten months after the island had fallen to the Japanese, American naval aircraft raided Wake, one of many such operations carried out by the US Navy and Marines. At the forefront of the attack was Lt. Cmdr. Edward ‘Butch’ O’Hare, the US Navy’s first Ace and first Naval recipient of the Medal of Honor. Throwing his F6F Hellcat into a furious dogfight, he engages Japanese Mitsubishi A6M Zeroes based on the island and in the process adds two more victories to his tally. Under O’Hare’s experienced guidance his young wingman, Lt. Alex Vraciu, claimed his first kill, and would later become one of the foremost Aces in the US Navy with 19 victories.

Signatures:

All editions:

Commander LESLIE FORTNER USN - Flying with VC-88 from the escort carrier USS Hoggatt Bay he supported the landings at Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Lingayen, destroying a number of Japanese aircraft on the ground. In April 1945 he shot down a Kamikazi ‘Nick’ off Kerama Rhetto near Okinawa which was heading for the US Fleet.

Tribute Edition: Issued specially for the serious collector, this exclusive edition is limited to just five copies worldwide. Each print is issued with an original pencil drawing created to order by artist Anthony Saunders. Each drawing is conservation matted to include the original autographs of three US Navy Aces who flew Hellcats in the Pacific Theatre, including Alex Vraciu!

Commander LESLIE FORTNER USN

Commander ALEX VRACIU USN - 19 victories

Captain RICHARD 'ZEKE' CORMIER USN - 8 victories

Captain ARMISTEAD 'CHICK' SMITH USN - 10 victories