Description: A unique piece depicting one of the most remarkable missions during the naval air war in the Pacific.MISSION BEYOND DARKNESS by Robert TaylorFollowing the attack against Admiral Ozawa’s Japanese carrier fleet on June 20, 1944 - during the Battle of the Philippine Sea -it became clear that due to the lengthy mission most of the aircraft returning to their carriers were running dangerously low on fuel, and to worsen matters, night had fallen.Knowing his aviators would have difficulty finding their carriers, Admiral Mitscher defied all rules of naval engagement: In total darkness, with the ever-present danger of enemy submarines and night flying aircraft, he ordered every ship in his Task Force 58 to switch on lights and shine searchlights directly up into the night to guide the returning carrier-borne aircraft.Despite being given clearance to land on any available flight deck, 80 of the returning aircraft were lost, the majority ditching into the sea. Approximately three-quarters of the crews were rescued.In this unique painting Pilot Ralph Yaussi and his Gunner James Curry, out of fuel and unable to get a landing slot aboard the USS Lexington, have been forced to ditch and scramble from their SB2B Curtiss Helldiver, as a Fletcher class destroyer maneuvers to make the pickup. THE SIGNATURES The print is individually numbered and personally signed by the artist and four aircrew who were personally involved in the ‘Mission Beyond Darkness’, creating a historically important edition.Captain DONALD GORDON USN – 6 victoriesAir Gunner JAMES CURRY USNR - Gunner to Ralph Yaussi, ditched on the missionLieutenant RALPH YAUSSI USNR - Helldiver Pilot who ditched on the missionCommander ALEX VRACIU USN – 19 victoriesThis stunning print is the perfect centerpiece for any aviation art collection.ALSO AVAILABLE FRAMED & SHIPPED - Please ask for detailsWe will always do our best to combine shipping on multiple purchases whenever possible – please ask.BUY WITH CONFIDENCE: We have been in business for over 20 years and our items are guaranteed to be in perfect condition, unless specified otherwise.SHIPPING: Larger prints are rolled in acid free tissue and shipped in large, heavy duty shipping tubes with smaller prints 'flat packed' in custom made packaging. Matted & framed pieces are packed in our custom made boxes. Our shipping is insured and guaranteed. YOUR PIECE OF MIND: As a reputable company, if any issues do arise we don't expect our customers to deal with it. So if there are any problems such as with condition, delivery or damages then we will take care of it with a replacement, store credit or your money back.Please note: The signatures on our pieces are not reproductions; they are original autographs, hand-signed by the veterans involved.
Price: 320 USD
Location: Ojai, California
End Time: 2024-01-18T20:44:42.000Z
Shipping Cost: 15 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money back or replacement (buyer's choice)
Artist: Robert Taylor
Unit of Sale: Single-Piece Work
Size: Medium (up to 36in.)
Print Size: 34 x 23 inches
Item Length: 34 in
Region of Origin: California, USA
Framing: Unframed
Listed By: Aces High Gallery
Year of Production: 1997
Autographs also include: Donald Gordon
Item Height: 23 in
Style: Americana, Illustration Art, Realism, Aviation Art, Military Art
Features: Limited Edition, Autographed, Individually numbered
Autographs include:: Alex Vraciu
Time Period Produced: 1990-1999
Image Orientation: Landscape
Signed: Veteran and Artist signed
Color: Color
Title: Mission Beyond Darkness
Material: Paper, Lithograph, Archival Paper
Aircraft Featured: SB2B Curtiss Helldiver
Certificate of Authenticity (COA): Yes
Original/Licensed Reprint: Limited Edition Print
Topic:: Battle of the Philippine Sea
Subject: Aircraft, Military, USA, World War II (1939-1945), B-17, USAAF, Pacific, Helldiver
Featuring: USS Lexington
Type: Art Print
COA Issued By: Military Gallery
Theme: Art, Aviation, Conflicts & Wars, History, Militaria, Transportation, War
Original/Reproduction: Artwork Reproduction
Production Technique: Lithography
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States