THE WARRIOR AND THE WOLFPACK - Framed Collectors Piece
by John D. Shaw
On 12 May 1944 Major Günther Rall, commanding Me109s from JG11, attacks a group of American P-47 Thunderbolts whilst carrying out defence operations – little did he know they were one of the most renowned fighter groups in the entire US Air Force – Hub Zemke’s 56th FG, the famous ‘Wolfpack’.
After scoring one victory and nearly downing the group leader, Günther found himself trapped in a bitter chase with four P-47s. Outnumbered and outgunned, his extraordinary skill and experience in combat meant he managed to escape complete disaster, bailing out and later summing up the situation by saying "In those days in the Luftwaffe, you either earned an Iron Cross or a Wooden one".
A meeting of two legends!
It turned out to be Günther’s 275th and final aerial victory of the war making him the 3rd highest-scoring Ace in history. The 56th FG ‘Wolfpack’ finished the war with more Aces and having destroyed more enemy aircraft in air combat than any other fighter group in the whole of the US Eighth Air Force. Many years later, Günther became close friends with Zemke and other members of the ‘Wolfpack’, recounting their fateful meeting on several occasions.
It’s no surprise this superb edition is highly sought-after on the Secondary Market so we’re delighted to have just ONE copy available. It has been expertly framed to create a TEN signature piece including Günther’s original autograph and a further nine ‘Wolfpack’ veterans:
- Colonel Robert J. 'Shorty' Rankin
- Colonel Francis 'Gabby' Gabreski
- Colonel Walker 'Bud' Mahurin
- Lieutenant CLEON C. THOMTON
- Generalleutnant Günther Rall KC with Oak Leaves and Swords
- Brigadier General Les C. Smith
- Colonel Harold 'Bunny' Comstock
- Lieutenant Colonel Robert Johnson
- Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Whitley
- Captain Walter 'Wally' Groce
- Media:
- Framed Prints
- Size:
- 41 x 30 inches
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