Flying Tigers in Burma by John Shaw – Framed Collectors Piece

Description A group of P-40s of the American Volunteer Group – Flying Tigers – take to the skies alongside the Brewster Buffalos from 67 Sqn RAF,  during dawn sortie in early 1942.  During these early months, the AVG operated out of several bases in Burma. Sharing airfields with their British and Commonwealth allies, they faced overwhelming enemy numbers and operated in extremely harsh conditions with limited resources and constant danger. By March 1942 they evacuated Burma, relocating to bases in China, but not before their outstanding aerial combat record earned them worldwide acclaim as the legendary “Flying Tigers”. Operating from April 1941, during one of the lowest periods of the war for the U.S. and its Allies against the Japanese forces, the AVG’s notable successes gave America hope that it could eventually defeat Japan. After more than a year of outstanding combat the AVG was disbanded on 4 July 1942 becoming the 23rd Fighter Group of the USAAF, which retained the nickname, “Flying Tigers.” THE SIGNATURES This copy of Flying Tigers in Burma has been numbered and personally signed by the artist.  It is also conservation framed and matted to include the additional autographs of the following veterans of the AVG Flying Tigers: Brigadier General DAVID ‘TEX’ HILL – 18 ¼ victories Flight Leader DICK ROSSI – 6 ¼ victories Flight Leader ERIK SHILLING – 1 victory (four of his machine guns were removed for photo-reconnaissance) Colonel EDWARD “ED” RECTOR – 10 ½ victories