HELLCAT FURY
by Robert Taylor
Truk, the small atoll in the South Pacific, was the major anchorage for the Japanese Fleet. Comprising a magnificent harbor and four heavily defended airfields, it was thought impregnable by the US forces as they fought their way up through the Pacific. But on 16-17 February 1944 a violent two-day aerial assault by carrierborne 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 US 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 below huge explosions rocked the ground as ammo and fuel dumps were hit, fires raged, and the acrid smoke of battle pervaded the entire area.
In this important painting, his first featuring the F6F Hellcat, Robert Taylor brings to life the scenario that was crucial to Admiral 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 VF6 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 Vracui, subsequently to become one of the Navy’s top guns. This exhilarating work dramatically conveys the awesome conditions endured day after day by the pilots of the US Navy and Marine Corps in the Pacific.
The Aces Edition
Each copy of Hellcat Fury has been signed by THREE US Navy Hellcat Aces:
- Commander Willis E. Hardy
- Commander Hamilton McWhorter
- Commander Alex Vraciu
The War in the Pacific Edition
Issued with a matching numbered pilot signed copy of Robert Taylor’s ‘Pacific Pirate’ companion print: and the main print signed by additional FIVE Hellcat pilots, a total of NINE signatures.
- Commander John 'Ted' Crosby
- Colonel 'Archie' Donahue
- Lieutenant Commander Fred 'Buck' Dungan
- Lieutenant Commander James E. Duffy
- Captain John R. Strane
- Commander Ed 'Wendy' Wendorf
The Porftolio Publisher Proofs
With all the components of ‘War in the Pacific Edition’, but the main print is also signed by Jim Swett MOH and Bruce Porter. This edition only is issued with the collector drawing ‘DAUNTLESS OVER THE YORKTOWN’ signed by a leading Dauntless pilot. A total of TWELVE signatures.
- Colonel Bruce Porter
- Colonel Jim Swett Medal of Honor
- Captain Stanley 'Swede' Vejtasa
- Media:
- Lithograph
- Size:
- 35 x 24 inches
Editions that feature original and unique artwork, such as Remarque, Tribute and matted editions, are specifically hand-crafted to order. As a result, our normal delivery policies do not apply to these items but we’ll be sure to update you as soon as your drawing is complete. If you have any particular request for your remarque drawing – such as specific aircraft markings – please ask when placing your order and we will do our best to accommodate.
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