ROBERT TAYLOR Victory Flyover 50th Anniversary Commemorative Print MOH SWETT

  

This open edition poster was published in 1995 by Military Gallery for the Admiral Nimitz Museum in Fredericksburg, Texas to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Allied victory in the Pacific. We have now celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the Allied victory in the Pacific. On Sunday September 2, 1945, the formal surrender document was signed aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. With General Douglas MacArthur, Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, and Admirals Halsey and Sherman presiding, the Instrument of Surrender was completed with the affixing of signatures. The Second World War was at last over.

Right on cue, and as if staged by Hollywood, shafts of brilliant sunlight broke through the morning mist floodlighting the historic scene, and a mighty rumble began to fill the air. A great Armada of American aircraft swept across Tokyo Bay as Corsairs, Hellcats, Avengers, Helldivers, Mustangs, Thunderbolts, and Superfortresses, heralded in the peace.

"VICTORY FLYOVER" captures those historic moments for posterity and, since its publication in 1995, has been one of Robert Taylor's most sought after prints. This massive American flyover that took place above the USS Missouri after the Japanese surrendered is also described on page 262 in Bill O'Reilly's bestselling book, Killing the Rising Sun.

This mint condition poster measures 25" x 30½" and has been stored flat. Adding great value to this special commemorative poster it was individually signed by United States Marine Corps Triple Ace Colonel JIM SWETT. Swett was the winner of many awards including the Distinguished Flying Cross with 5 Gold Stars and the Congressional Medal of Honor.

MOH Citation: For extraordinary heroism and personal valor above and beyond the call of duty, as division leader of Marine Fighting Squadron 221 with Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, in action against enemy Japanese aerial forces in the Solomon Islands area, 7 April 1943. In a daring flight to intercept a wave of 150 Japanese planes, 1st Lieutenant Swett unhesitatingly hurled his 4-plane division into action against a formation of 15 enemy bombers and personally exploded 3 hostile planes in midair with accurate and deadly fire during his dive. Although separated from his division while clearing the heavy concentration of antiaircraft fire, he boldly attacked 6 enemy bombers, engaged the first 4 in turn and, unaided, shot down all in flames. Exhausting his ammunition as he closed the fifth Japanese bomber, he relentlessly drove his attack against terrific opposition which partially disabled his engine, shattered his windscreen and slashed his face.

In spite of this, he brought his battered plane down with skillful precision in the water off Tulagi without further injury. The superb airmanship and tenacious fighting spirit which enabled 1st Lieutenant Swett to destroy 7 enemy bombers in a single flight were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U. GOOD LUCK AND THANKS FOR LOOKING!