Truk, a small atoll in the South Pacific, was the major anchorage for the Japanese Fleet in 1943 and 1944. Comprising a magnificent harbor and four heavily defended airfields, it was thought impregnable by the United States forces as they fought their way up through the Pacific. But on February 16 and 17, 1944, a violent two-day aerial assault by carrier-borne aircraft of Task Force 58 exploded the myth. In just two days the US Navy flyers sunk over 200,000 tons of Japanese naval shipping and destroyed an estimated 275 enemy aircraft, totally eliminating all effectiveness of the Japanese base. Light as the U.S. Navy losses were (only 25 aircraft failed to return), the battle for Truk was ferocious. The ground installations, ships, and airfield batteries put up intense antiaircraft fire against the attacking American aircraft, while Zeros did their best to repel the onslaught. The air above the atoll became a maelstrom of flak, tracer, flying lead and shrapnel, while huge explosions below rocked the ground as ammo and fuel dumps were hit. Fires raged, and the acrid smoke of battle pervaded the entire area.
In this dramatic painting, his first featuring the F6F Hellcat, Robert Taylor brings to life the scenario that was crucial to U.S. Navy Admiral Raymond Spruance's forceful drive through the Central Pacific. The once feared Japanese base at Truk is being reduced to a statistic of war. Hellcats of VF-6 hurtle across the lagoon at masthead height with guns blazing, creating havoc as they tear into the enemy positions below. Seen in the foreground is the F6F-3 of Lt. Alex Vraciu, subsequently to become one of the Navy's top scoring aces of World War II. This exhilarating work dramatically conveys the incredible conditions endured day after day by the pilots of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps in the Pacific. With prints signed by a host of U.S. Navy Aces, including the first F6F Hellcat Ace of World War II, Robert Taylor has created a limited edition print that will take pride of place in many discerning print collections.
THE WAR IN THE PACIFIC EDITION
Signed and numbered 1-300
The print is signed by the artist and nine F6F Hellcat pilots:
Commander JOHN 'TED' CROSBY USN
Colonel ARCHIE G DONAHUE USMC
Lt. Commander FRED 'BUCK' DUNGAN USN
Lt. Commander JAMES E DUFFY USN
Commander WILLIS E. HARDY USN
Commander HAMILTON McWHORTER USN
Captain JOHN R STRANE USN
Commander ALEX VRACIU USN
Commander ED 'WENDY' WENDORF USN
Below the print are two photographs.
On the left is a wartime color photograph of a Grumman Hellcat in flight. The photograph on the right shows Lt. Alex Vraciu on the wing of his #19 Hellcat, the plane depicted in the painting. The photograph is below Alex Vraciu's signature on the print. As depicted on the side of his F6F, Lt. Vraciu has been credited with shooting down nine Japanese aircraft. The photograph was taken aboard the USS Intrepid on February 19, 1944, just two days after the attacks on Truk (picture credits: U.S. Navy and National Archives). Between the photographs is a reproduction Naval Aviator wing. The print is matted in mottled blue, with a light blue inner mat. This is a large, impressive piece. It measures 28" x 38 ½ ". A Certificate of Authenticity issued by the publisher is included. The optional frame is solid wood, with a cherry finish (other colors are available. Contact us for info). Please see the "Frame Info" tab for complete information on how we frame our artwork.
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