SPEARHEAD

March 6, 1945 - Cologne, Germany: Months after landing in Normandy, the men of the Third Armored Division have become the first to conquer a major German city since Napoleon. A day prior, the tankers had heard their commander: “Gentlemen, I give you Cologne. Let’s knock the hell out of it!” With armored infantry clearing the flanks, this M26 Pershing, "Eagle 7," led the charge, defeating a Panzer IV, then a Panther tank at the cathedral. Now, they’ve reached the Rhine. As the Shermans circle around, Cpl. Clarence Smoyer draws SSgt. Bob Early’s attention to the German heartland across the river. It’s time to radio back to headquarters: “Cologne is in American hands.”

This long sold-out Publisher Proof is from an edition of 100 numbered prints autographed by artist Gareth Hector and including the autographs of 6 WWII Veterans!

• Corporal Clarence Smoyer: One of America’s most celebrated tank gunners, Clarence served in Shermans before being awarded one of 20 Pershings shipped to the ETO. He claimed five enemy tanks in battle and is the hero of the bestselling book Spearhead.
   
• Sergeant Malcolm "Buck" Marsh: Served as a "Blitz Dough" with A-Co., 36th Armored Infantry Regiment, riding Clarence's Pershing into battle at Paderborn. Buck is a main character in the book Spearhead.
   
• Sergeant Joe Caserta: Served as a driver and commander in Shermans alongside Clarence in E-Co. Joe was wounded during the assault on Blatzheim and appears in the book Spearhead.
   
• Corporal John "Jack" Irwin: Served as a gunner in Shermans and later on the T26E4 "Super Pershing." He is the author of Another Tank, Another Town and is mentioned in the book Spearhead.
   
• Corporal Ray Stewart: Served as a tank driver in the 2nd Armored division, from Normandy to the Bulge and beyond. He served as a consultant on the movie "Fury."
   
• Corporal George Smilanich: Served as a tank driver in the 2nd AD "Hell on Wheels," from North Africa to Normandy to the Bulge & beyond. Earned the Bronze Star for pulling his commander from their burning Sherman. Served as a consultant on the film "Fury."