The Pathfinders, Skullbangers at Midnight by Rick Herter

22 June 2025, Early Morning....

A flying wall of American fighters and B-2 bombers races toward Iranian airspace, moments from one of the most historic raids in modern military history.

Leading the armada are four A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the 190th Fighter Squadron. Launching from an undisclosed regional airbase, the Warthogs fly to a weapons release point east of Erbil, Iraq. For months, the Skullbangers of the 190th have provided close air support, combat search and rescue, air interdiction, and defensive counter-air missions across the region. Tonight, however, they carry out a highly classified role as the electronic pathfinders of Operation Midnight Hammer.

At a precise time and location, only minutes from the Iranian border, each A-10 releases four electronic weapons toward Iran. Their mission complete, the Warthogs execute a 180-degree turn and return to Iraqi airspace, standing by for possible combat search and rescue operations.

As the A-10s withdraw, B-2 Spirit bombers high overhead cross into Iranian airspace through the corridor the pathfinders helped clear, pressing toward their targets at Fordow and Natanz.

The untold story of Midnight Hammer is that the aircraft and crews many sought to retire once again proved their value in combat. On a night that may be remembered for generations, the A-10 played a critical role in a mission aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and preserving global security.

---

About Rick's Masterwork Canvases:

The canvas size is 20” x 30,” the same size as the original oil painting. Each Masterwork canvas is painstakingly reproduced to match Rick’s original oil painting. After personal inspection of each piece, Rick will custom oil embellish your canvas making it a one-of-a-kind work of art. Rick hand paints additional touches of color and detail accenting in oil paint over different areas of the giclee’ canvas. When dry, Rick will then varnish those areas for long-lasting durability and enjoyment of your custom piece of art.