An Expensive Mission

Limited Edition: 199 - Signed by the artist

Paper Artist Proofs: 10 – Signed by Douglas Walker and Jack Fellows,

Canvas Artist Proofs:  10 - canvas reproductions signed by the Artist (Comes Rolled)

Overall Size: 22’ X 26.75”

Image Size: 16” X 22”

Support: Epson archival media, Epson K3 pigment-based ink

Airplane Type: B-17 Flying Fortress

Six B-17s from the 64^th Bomb Squadron, 43^rd Bomb Group, and six B-24s from the 90^th Bomb Group, (all 5th US Army Air Force) successfully attacked shipping targets in Simpson Harbour at the Japanese-held city of Rabaul on the 5^th of January 1943. But not without considerable cost: one Flying Fortress, B-17F #41-24458, nicknamed SAN ANTONIO ROSE, (pictured here) carried both the commander of V Bomber Command, Brigadier General Kenneth N. Walker and the commanding officer of the 64^th Bomb Squadron, Major Allen Lindberg, as observers, as well as the B-17’s crew.

Major Jack Bleasdale, 43^rd Bomb Group executive officer was the pilot; Capt. Benton H. Daniel, co-pilot; 2^nd Lt. Robert Hand, bombardier; 1^st Lt. John W. Hanson, navigator; T/Sgt. Dennis Craig, engineer; Pvt. Quenton Blakely, radio operator; Sgt. Leslie Stewart, gunner; Pfc. Wm. G. Fraser, gunner; and Pfc. Leland W. White, gunner. The fate of SAN ANTONIO ROSE and all of those who were aboard remains to be officially determined. Brigadier Kenneth N. Walker was awarded the Medal of Honor (posthumously) for leading this dangerous mission.

PLANEJUNKIE - An Expensive Mission by Jack Fellows - B-17 Flying Fortress