BATTLE FOR THE ISLANDS
(Signatures)	Artist : Nicolas Trudgian , James Swett - Robert Baker - Robert Bruce Porter.
(Dimensions)	36" x 22" approx   Unframed Print
Price	£195.00

Description

Limited edition aviation art print Battle for the Islands signed in pencil by Colonel ROBERT M. BAKER , Colonel ROBERT BRUCE PORTER , Colonel JAMES E. SWETT , and artist NICOLAS TRUDGIAN. This print depicts the Vought F4U Corsair fighters of VMF 121 as they provide close air support to the U.S. landings on Rendova in late June 1943. The invasion force was attacked by Mitsubishi Zero fighters and G4 M1 Betty bombers flying from Rabaul. The Corsairs pounced on a bunch of Betty bombers at tree-top level as they tried to make their escape following an attack on shipping. A total of 19 aircraft were accounted for by VMF 121 this day , with an overall total of 58 aircraft destroyed by all units on June 30 , 1943. This print is signed by Medal of Honor winner Colonel JAMES SWETT. Swett was one of the U.S. Marine Corps top aces with 16.5 victories in 120 missions in the Pacific Theater of Operations. His Medal of Honor Citation reads as follows : “In a daring flight to intercept a wave of 150 Japanese planes , 1st Lt. Swett unhesitatingly hurled his 4-plane division into action against a formation of 15 enemy bombers and personally exploded 3 hostile planes in midair with accurate and deadly fire during his dive. Although separated from his division while clearing the heavy concentration of antiaircraft fire , he boldly attacked 6 enemy bombers , engaged the first 4 in turn and , unaided , shot down all in flames. Exhausting his ammunition as he closed on the fifth Japanese bomber , he relentlessly drove his attack against terrific opposition which partially disabled his engine , shattered the windscreen and slashed his face. In spite of this , he brought his battered plane down with skillful precision in the water off Tulagi without further injury. The superb airmanship and tenacious fighting spirit which enabled 1st Lt. Swett to destroy 7 enemy bombers in a single flight were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.” ...priced @ £195.00...To complement the purchase of your fine art print, we are now able to offer a professional Picture Framing service. For further details please contact us by phone or email.