"The Ultimate Sacrifice" Limited Edition Print — Hand signed by ten veterans from the squadron

"The Ultimate Sacrifice" — On August 18, 1943, Maj. Ralph Cheli led a strike group from the 38th Bomb Group in a daring assault on the Japanese airstrip at Dagua, New Guinea, as part of a coordinated low-level B-25 strafer attack on the Wewak complex's four airfields. Despite battling severe weather along the northern coast of New Guinea, Maj. Cheli's unit was intercepted by approximately ten enemy 59 Sentai Oscar fighters. One of these fighters made a five o'clock pass at the lead B-25, causing significant damage to its right engine. As flames engulfed the wing and black smoke billowed from the engine nacelle, Maj. Cheli's aircraft began to lose power rapidly.

In spite of the critical damage, Maj. Cheli heroically maintained his role as leader of the formation, pressing the attack across the target. He continued to strafe the airstrip and disperse his parafrag bombs, ensuring the mission's success. Only after the attack was fully underway did he veer out to sea, where he was forced to ditch the burning aircraft. Tragically, Maj. Cheli and his crew were captured by the Japanese and eventually executed. For his extraordinary bravery and leadership in the face of overwhelming odds, Maj. Cheli was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, recognizing his unwavering commitment to the mission despite the fatal damage to his aircraft.

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.

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”

About the paper weight and printing process: Printed on top-quality heavy art stock.

The series

• "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