Summer of '42 by John Shaw

Personally signed by more than 16 original AVG veterans, this scene depicts the famous Flying Tigers over the beautiful Li River as they return to their base in Kweilin, China in 1942.

Chinese cormorant fishermen apply their centuries-old trade as a mixed bag of shark-mouthed P-40 “Tomahawk” and P-40E “Kittyhawk” fighters of the legendary American Volunteer Group, return from patrol low over the picturesque Li River, near their base in Kweilin, China during mid-1942. Under the brilliant and often controversial leadership of Claire Lee Chennault, the AVG achieved a remarkable combat record since its debut in late 1941. Better known as the Flying Tigers, the AVG was disbanded July 4, 1942 to be succeeded by the U.S. Army Air Corps’ 23rd Fighter Group, who also served with distinction under Chennault through the end of the war.

The painting Summer of ’42 was completed in 2004. The original oil painting and lithograph editions were signed by a gathering of AVG veterans in Orlando, Florida in the same year, as well as several other AVG members at their homes in Texas.

Hand-signed by 17 of these AVG veterans:

1st PURSUIT SQUADRON:

Charlie Bond - Vice Squadron Leader

Joe Rosbert - Flight Leader

Dick Rossi - Flight Leader

Morgan Vaux - Communications

2nd PURSUIT SQUADRON:

David 'Tex' Hill - Squadron Leader

Bob Layher - Flight Leader

Charlie Mott - Flight Leader

Peter Wright - Flight Leader

3rd PURSUIT SQUADRON:

Frank A. Andersen - Crew Chief

Charles Baisden - Armorer

Paul Clouthier - Operations

Ken Jernstedt - Flight Leader

Frank Losonsky - Crew Chief

Joe Poshefko - Armorer

Leo Schramm - Crew Chief

Ed Stiles - Crew Chief

GROUP HEADQUARTERS SECTION:

Ed Janski - Propeller Specialist

'Red' Foster Petach - Nurse