Eagles of the Eighth by Richard Taylor

By the end of 1944, thousands of sleek, long-range, sparkling silver P-51 Mustangs of the U.S. Eighth Air Force were prowling ever deeper into Germany, seeking out the remnants of Goering’s once-fabled Luftwaffe. For the past year the P-51s had been at the sharp end of the fight but now they dominated the sky, achieving complete combat air superiority over the Reich. The Mustang had been transformed into one of the most potent weapons of the war.

But this outstanding machine could never have achieved such a status without legendary men to fly them – and the Mustang pilots of the ‘Mighty Eighth’ were among the best in the world. Men such as George E. Preddy, John C. Meyer, ‘Bud’ Anderson, ‘Kit’ Carson and Don Blakeslee; not forgetting Robin Olds and Chuck Yeager, the great Clyde East and many others.

Plus men like Colonel John D. Landers, CO of the 78th Fighter Group and main subject of artist Richard Taylor’s stunning contemporary work Eagles of the Eighth. The picture relives a moment during the spring of 1945 in which he and his men are about to start engines and head out from Duxford to strafe targets of opportunity in Germany. Colonel Landers notched up an impressive 14.5 victories – including a share in a Me262A which he achieved flying his P-51D Big Beautiful Doll, whose markings are well known to enthusiasts at air shows across the world.

Signatures:

Limited Edition & Artist's Proof:

Colonel ARTHUR C. ‘ART’ FIEDLER - 325th FG / 8 victories

Colonel JOSEPH A. PETERBURS - 20th FG / 2 victories

Collector's Edition: Each print in this four-signature edition has been additionally signed two highly-regarded Mustang pilots who achieved Ace status in P-51s during WWII.

Colonel CLARENCE E. ‘BUD’ ANDERSON - 357th FG / 16 ¼ victories

Colonel STEVE N. PISANOS - 4th FG / 10 victories

Matted Veteran's Edition: Adding considerable historical significance, each copy in this highly-restricted edition has been mounted to full conservation standards to include the original and authentic autographs of a further six famous P-51 Mustang pilots who flew during WWII, creating a stunning TEN signature edition.

Colonel ERNEST E. ‘ERNIE’ BANKEY - 364th FG / 11½ victories

Brigadier General RUSSELL A. BERG - 10th Photo Recon Group

Captain JAMES L. BROOKS - 31st FG / 13 victories

Major JAMES A. GOODSON - 4th & 31st FG / 15 victories

Major RICHARD A. ‘BUD’ PETERSON - 357th FG / 15 ½ victories

Major General DONALD J. STRAIT - 356th FG / 13 ½ victories

Matted Remarque Editions: Both the single and double Remarque editions include all of the components of the Veterans Edition, In addition, Richard will hand-craft an original drawing in the lower margin of each print to create a unique collectors piece.