Bent Wing Sonata by Rick Herter

Though not a specific event, Bent Wing Sonata by Rick Herter, typifies air combat action in the South Pacific during WWII. As American Army Air Corp B-24 Liberators leave the target area, they are met by their regular aerial foe, the Japanese Zero. On this day the Liberator crews have some added safety in the form of U.S. Navy Corsairs from VF-17 the Jolly Rogers.

A Zero has just been struck and the pilot struggles to free himself from the smoking aircraft. The victorious Corsair pilot takes in the scene as he flys by. The Navy pilots' sense of victory and jubilation is tempered though because he knows that the nature of air combat is fickle. Though today he is the victor, tomorrow the role may be reversed. Today we'll drink a toast but tomorrow the Song and Dance will begin anew.