On November 10, 1944, 1/Lt. H. C. McClanahan and his wingman, 2/Lt. A. R. White, were part of the third flight in the 822nd Squadron's assault on Ormoc Bay, Leyte, in the Philippines. Flying at minimal altitude, McClanahan and White unleashed their firepower on the freighter-transport Kinka Maru. McClanahan's co-pilot, 2/Lt. W. A. Wolfe, expertly dropped a 500-pound bomb just aft of the ship's stern. White, in a more advantageous position, had his co-pilot, 2/Lt. Robert L. Miller, release their string of bombs, achieving two direct hits—one near the forward hatch and the other amidships.
The artwork captures the moment as McClanahan and White pull up from their strafing run, navigating through a storm of flak bursts and tracers. In a desperate attempt to evade, McClanahan strafed the deck of the Yugumo-class destroyer Akishimo and dropped three bombs mere seconds after flying just above the ship's superstructure. Unfortunately, McClanahan's heavily damaged aircraft crashed into the waters of the Kawit Strait, southeast of Ponson Island, breaking into four pieces upon impact. Lt. White witnessed the crash and quickly signaled the bomber's position before safely returning to Tacloban Airdrome. Tragically, there were no survivors from the crash. The 38th Bomb Group was awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation for their valor during this mission.
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.