Toryu by Jim Laurier

L/E of 500 prints on Paper
S/N by the Artist
Overall Size: 24" x 18"
Image Size: 18.5" x 14.5"

Plane Type: B-29 Superfortress

B-29s of the 500th Bomb Group on a bombing strike against Tokyo on 19 February 1945. The bombers encountered flak and were attacked by numerous Japanese fighter aircraft - "Tonys", "Zekes" and Ki-45 "Nicks". A Kawasaki Ki-45 "Toryu" of the 53rd Sentai piloted by 2nd Lt. Osamu Hirose rammed "Z Square 12", a B-29 of the 881st Bomb Squadron. The bomber was cut in two and six parachutes were seen, although one was on fire and it collapsed. Of the five remaining crew members, only one survived. 2nd Lt. Hirose also perished, but his back seater, Corporal Kimio Kato was ejected from the aircraft and survived. Most people associate B-29s with the atomic bombing of two cities in Japan.

This painting shows what bomber crews had to contend with each week. Seventeen hour missions, battling flak, fighters, fatigue, weather and 200 mph jet streams at high altitude.

*****
This print is new and will be shipped rolled directly from the publisher with a proper COA. It is printed on Acid Neutral paper and will arrive in perfect shape. Note: All signatures are authentic original signatures and signed in pencil.