A Salute to the Mighty 8th Air Force in World War II
During the winter of 1944- '45, the skies over Germany would routinely be studded with literally thousands of allied aircraft on "RAMROD" missions, a term used by the USAAF for long-range strategic bomber strikes with fighter escorts, flown from their bases in England. Shown here is famed triple ace Clarence E. "Bud" Anderson, flying his P-51D Mustang "Old Crow", defending B-17s of the 100th Bomb Group. As leading ace of the 357th FG's 363rd squadron, Anderson achieved the remarkable record of 116 missions without ever being hit by enemy aircraft fire.
Signatures:
Main "Aces" Edition
Col. Clarence E. "Bud" ANDERSON - Triple Ace with 16.25 victories
Maj. William H. ALLEN - Ace with 5 victories
Capt. Clinton D. BURDICK - Ace with 6 victories
Col. Art C. FIEDLER - Ace with 8 victories
Col. Joe A. PETERBURS - 1 Victory
Col. Steve PISANOS - Double Ace with 10 victories
Col. Lawrence POWELL - Ace with 5.5 victories
Capt. Clint WHITE - 15th Air Force P-51 pilot
Artist's Proof includes all signatures above plus:
Capt. James L. BROOKS - Double Ace with 13.5 victories
Maj. Urban "Ben" DREW - Ace with 6 victories
Lt. Col. Robert A. KARR - Ace with 6 victories
Victory "Mighty 8th" Edition includes all signatures above plus:
Col. Donald CUMMINGS - Ace with 6.5 victories
Col. Clyde B. EAST - Double Ace with 14 victories
Capt. E.F. "Woody" BLONDFIELD - B-17 pilot - 100th BG
Publisher Proof includes all signatures above plus:
Leutnant Jorg CZYPIONKA - Me262 pilot with 2 night victories
Oberleutnant Kurt SCHULZE - Me109 pilot with 3 victories