This is an advance order. We expect to ship this out in the third week of September.
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On May 29, 1945, 1/Lt. Fred L. Paveglio and his wingman, 1/Lt. L.T. Wilhelm, led a critical assault with their B-25J Mitchells on the Tairin Alcohol Plant located on Formosa. Guided by precise instructions from their navigator, 2/Lt. Albert C. West, the pilots descended to attack altitude, delivering a devastating strafing run across the Tairin complex before releasing a salvo of six 500-pound parademos.
This artwork captures the scene just five seconds after the bombs hit, showing the massive secondary explosion that sent debris soaring above the plant. Simultaneously, the ignited alcohol storage tanks erupted into a towering fireball, shooting flames 800 feet into the sky. During the spring and summer of 1945, the 38th Bomb Group became so effective in targeting and obliterating Formosa's fuel alcohol facilities that they earned the moniker “Alcohol Buster of Formosa.”
About the print:
Published in 1995 in conjunction with the 38th Bomb Group Association, this set of four limited edition prints by artist Steve Ferguson, and meticulously researched by Lawrence J. Hickey, portrays some of the most dramatic moments of the 38th Bomb Group's service during World War II in the Southwest Pacific.
The artwork illustrates key missions, including the following:
- "The Ultimate Sacrifice" — Dagua Airdrome raid on August 18, 1943
- "One Minute in Hell" — The daring Rabaul attack on November 2, 1943
- "Ordeal at Ormoc Bay" — The intense battle over Ormoc Bay, Leyte, on November 10, 1944
- "Alcohol Busters of Formosa" — The destructive raids on Japanese fuel alcohol facilities in Formosa, such as the Tairin raid on May 29, 1945
Each print is part of a limited edition of 450 prints and 50 artist proofs, all signed by the artist. Additionally, the prints are signed by ten veterans from each squadron, representing different roles within the B-25 crews, as well as ground officers and enlisted men. The squadron and Fifth Air Force insignias adorn the lower margin of each print.
Image size: 17” x 22”
Overall print size: 22” X 25”
About the paper weight and printing process: Printed on top-quality heavy art stock.