Into The Storm Limited Edition with 10-14 Signatures

Artist: John Shaw | Copies: 151

The Naval F-4: Forged by the Hot Anvil of War

The F-4 Phantom began its Pacific combat career on August 5th,1964, flying its first sortie off the "Connie" during the Vietnam War. Baptized on the hot anvil of war, this huge aircraft went on to serve as a frontline aircraft with eleven other nations. All told, 5,195 aircraft were produced during the 1958-1981 period, making it the most  numerous supersonic plane ever built. Such was its outstanding performance that its crews flew with unparalleled confidence, whilst its foes ran for cover. The F-4's main advantage was its tremendous thrust, allowing its combat crews to engage or disengage at will.

John Shaw, among the most-collected aviation artists in the world, has captured the essence of this beautiful, and at the same time menacing, aircraft.   With the USS Constellation in the background, two F-4 Phantoms head off to hunt MiGs  during their most active period in late 1967.

The lead aircraft portrayed in John's emotive painting represents VF-143's "Pukin' Dogs" squadron. It's R.I.O. "JayBee" Souder was credited with achieving the war's longest aerial intercept.   On his 325th mission, Souder was shot down and captured as a POW, after which he received high honors for his life-saving heroism.   Alongside is an F-4 of Souder's sister squadron, VF-142's "Ghostriders", piloted by MiG Killer Guy Freeborn.

PLEASE NOTE: These Prints are ONLY available from Wings, and will be part of a very limited edition. This WILL BE one of the best and most collected Naval F-4 images ever produced.

THE 10-14 SIGNATURE MAIN EDITION:

• Signatures: 10-14 Signatures of F-4 Pilots and Crew.
• Number of Prints: 151 prints, with each print signifying one of the 151 Naval POWs that survived. These are print numbers 551 - 726.
• Price: $225 (with the most signatures going to those who order first)
• FREE Tribute Booklet Included: All multi-signature prints also include historical profile booklet with photos, signers bios & historical info!

There are 726 Main Edition prints, numbered to commemorate the total number of American military POWs in the Vietnam War and 151 Artist Proofs, commemorating the number of total U.S. Navy POWs. All prints signed / numbered by the artist and a combination of the co-signers listed below. Prints with the most signatures will be distributed on a ‘first come-first served’ basis.

Printed on beautiful, acid-free 120 lb. stock, size:  37”x 26.25” (overall), 32”x 19.75” (image area). All Prints to include Certificate of Authenticity • All multi-signature prints also include historical profile booklet with photos, signers bios & historical info!

THE 15-19 SIGNATURE MAIN EDITION (Click Here)
THE PUBLISHER PROOFS (Click Here)
THE NAVAL POW TRIBUTE ARTIST PROOF (Click Here)
THE DISPLAY EDITION (Click Here)

Update: .......So far, print orders are going out to galleries & homes throughout the US, and also Canada, England and Germany (And this is just the first week!) We're in the process of creating a companion booklet that will accompany certain editions of this new print, which features brief biographies of all the great guys who participated in signing it. These bio booklets are what really bring the signatures alive on a print edition.

Several more photos of these young bucks during their Phantom days have poured in since this week's release...the pictures are definitely worth a thousand words! Here's one of the new photos going in, just emailed to us from one of our signers, currently working in the US embassy in Korea. It's "Black Bart" Flaherty, good friend of JayBee Souder (see album), and he writes: "This picture was taken in 1972 on the USS Constellation. We were the VF-92 "alert five" bird strapped on the cat. Front seat is LTJG Russ Ogle, my stick for that cruise. The photo "made it" into the Connie's cruise book because we were such handsome devils (JayBee - eat your heart out)."

THE SIGNERS: 

 

The following distinguished veterans participated in signing Into the Storm. Among this highly-decorated roll call are POWs, MiG Killers, Admirals, and men of all flight rank who served their country with distinction flying the legendary F-4 Phantom.
Adm. Phil Anselmo (C.O. USS Constellation) J.R. “Batman” Batzler William “Eggs” Benedict Joe Brantuas Adm. Brian M. Calhoun Don Chapman John “Cat” Chesire Keith “Cannonball” Crenshaw Charles “Cajun” DeGruy Ken Dewey, USMC  Alex “Zorba” Dimitrew Curt “Dozo” Dose Dave Dungan Jack “Fingers” Ensch “Black Bart” Flaherty Dan Gabriel Dave Garcia Marv Garrison, USMC Fred Gilson Mike Joyce	Mike “Coyote” Malchiodi Paul Martz John “Smash” Nash Marc “Tag” Ostertag Rick “Pack Rat” Packard Tim “Spike” Prendergas Steve Queen Kurt Schroeder “Scotty” Scott Sherm “RugDancer” Smoot “JayBee” Souder Mike “Okie” Stansel Adm. “Ham” Tallent Dave “No-Doz” Tozier John Vasilchin Bob “Quail” White Larry Woodall Ben Woodworth