COMMEMORATING THE AMERICAN AIRMEN THAT CHALLENGED THE HEART OF IMPERIAL JAPAN

THREATENING SKIES
By Richard Taylor
Two Print Portfolio

February 19, 1945: As dawn breaks over the Pacific, a determined force of Japanese Ki-44’s launch a surprise attack on a large formation of USAAF B-29 Superfortresses as they approach the Japanese mainland. B-29 gunners let rip as one fighter flashes past, with a second fighter closing at high speed. Chunks of the B-29’s port wing and aileron have been taken out in the initial attack, and with another Japanese fighter fast on its tail, the outcome of this particular encounter hangs in the balance. A total of ten Superfortresses fell victim that day.

As the USAAF’s mighty B-29 Superfortresses relentlessly pounded the Imperial Japanese war machine, few Japanese fighter interceptors could match these high-flying super bombers. The heavily armed Superfortresses, the largest and fastest piston-engined bomber in World War II, were slowly grinding Japan’s industrial cities and factories to dust.

Increasingly desperate to counter the threat, the Japanese Air Force turned vainly for salvation to the Nakajima Ki-44 Shoki. Codenamed Tojo by the Allies, the high performance interceptor was designed for speed and high altitude, could climb quickly to 37,000ft, and was one of the very few Japanese aircraft that could challenge the fearsome Superfortresses.

Each print in this edition is issued with the companion print, Into the Sun (pictured above), depicting Captain Yoshio Yoshida, an Ace with 6 victories over B-29s to his credit, together with other pilots of the 3rd Chutai, 70th Sentai, power their Nakajima Ki-44s into attacking positions ready to strike the strong incoming force of B-29 Superfortresses in the distance beyond.

THE SIGNATURES
The print is personally hand signed by Three veterans of the Pacific War who flew B-29s in the assault on mainland Japan. The edition is also signed by the artist, and individually hand numbered:

The main print is also issued with the matching numbered companion print - "Into the Sun" which is signed by the artist.

ALSO AVAILABLE FRAMED & SHIPPED - Please ask for details

BUY WITH CONFIDENCE: We have been in business for over 30 years and our items are guaranteed to be in perfect condition, unless specified otherwise.

SHIPPING: Our prints are rolled in acid free tissue and shipped in large, heavy duty shipping tubes. matted & framed pieces are 'flat packed' in substantial packaging. Our shipping is insured and guaranteed.

YOUR PIECE OF MIND: As a reputable company, if any issues do arise we don't expect our customers to deal with it. So if there are any problems such as with condition, delivery or damages then we will take care of it with a replacement, store credit or your money back.

Please note: The signatures on our pieces are not reproductions; they are original autographs, hand-signed by the veterans involved.