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The History List

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

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

The print:
$ 159.95
$ 159.95
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Shipping calculated at checkout.

"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”

Frame size: 22” X 25”

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

About the frame ang glazing: Made in America metal picture frame in silver. We use a museum-grade, non-glare acrylic that offers UV-protection.

Important note on the care of framed prints: Use a microfiber cloth or similar to remove dust and fingerprints. Do not use household cleaners on the frame or on the acrylic.

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

Shipping: $20 for framed prints.

Shipping

Key dates for the 2024 holiday shopping season

  • December 13 at 2 pm Eastern: Our recommended deadline for domestic Christmas delivery via USPS. While we can't guarantee delivery, regardless of carrier, our hope is that if you order by December 13, USPS will have be able to get orders to domestic addresses by Christmas. This date is more conservative than the date published by USPS. We want to be sure that everyone gets their gift in time. Important: Does not include personalized items, signed books, or Rare Finds. See below for more information on these.

  • December 19 at 2 pm Eastern: Orders for in-stock items received by 2 pm Eastern Thursday through Friday will ship the same day if you specify UPS 3 Day Select delivery. Important: Does not include personalized items, signed books, or Rare Finds. See below for more information on these.

  • December 23 at noon: The last day to ship orders before Christmas. If you want to have something shipped overnight, call Lee Wright at 469-233-7712 by noon Eastern to find out whether that's possible and the shipping charge.
     
  • Fulfillment will be closed from December 24 through January 1.

For personalized items, signed books, or Rare Finds purchased after December 13

  • If you purchase a personalized item, signed book, or Rare Find item after December 13 and want it delivered by Christmas, contact Lee Wright as soon as you make your purchase to see what the options are. (If it turns out that it won't get to you or the gift recipient by Christmas, we will give you an immediate refund and will also recommend alternative gifts.)

 

For shipments to addresses within the U.S. (scroll down for International shipping) 

Flat-rate shipping: Regardless of the number of items you order, the shipping price for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, and button packs is $5.95.

For hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets, the shipping cost is $8.95. 

Our flat rate shipping means you can add two or more t-shirts, sweatshirts, or caps for no additional shipping charge.

Note that some large or heavy items, including larger framed prints, may have a different shipping charge or a shipping surcharge. When they do, it will be noted on the product page.

 

Timing

We try to ship orders within three business days of receiving them. This applies to in-stock items. Framed items or items requiring personalization may take up to two weeks longer. If there is an extended delay, it will be noted on the product page.

We close for a week over Independence Day and Christmas. A notice will appear at the top of every page of the site in advance of this closure.

We ship most orders via USPS, so if the post office is closed, we won't be shipping orders that day.

If you need to receive your order by a certain date, such as to give as a gift or have for a trip, we recommend ordering at least two weeks in advance, especially if you are using USPS shipping. 

If you're looking for reliable, on-time deliveries, we strongly suggest upgrading to "UPS 3 Business Day Select Shipping."

Additional notes:

  • When fulfillment takes longer, such as around the Christmas holidays, we'll put up an announcement in the site and will list recommended shipping deadlines below.
  • If an item is out of stock, we will contact you.
  • If one of your items is an advance order, that will be noted on the product page along with an estimate of when it will ship. If that estimated date changes, the product page will be updated.

    Charges for shipping to destinations in the United States and to APO, DPO, and FPO addresses

    • Free shipping
      • On stickers, magnets, decals, patches, static clings, and individual button pins.

    • US Postal Service shipping - The least expensive, though also less reliable than UPS. (See more on UPS in the next section.) 
      • $5.95 for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, button packs.

        Regardless of the number of items you order, the shipping price is still fixed at $5.95. Our flat rate shipping means you can add another t-shirt, cap, or book for no additional shipping charge.

      • $8.95 for hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets.

    We strongly recommend using UPS, especially in November and December.

      UPS 3 Business Day Select 

      Note: UPS 3 Business Day select is not available for addresses in Hawaii and Alaska. If UPS is selected for Hawaii or Alaska, the order will be shipped UPS Ground.

      Cut off time: Orders received by 8 am Eastern will ship the same business day.  Orders received after that time will ship the next business day. Applies to in-stock items that do not require personalization or signing. 
        UPS's normal (non-holiday) delivery guarantee is by the end of the third business day, and this includes delivery on Saturday.  This applies to the 48 contiguous states. 
          • $14.95 for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, button packs.

          • $18.95 for hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets.
          • If the actual shipping cost is significantly higher than what we’re charging, we will contact you to discuss alternatives.

        • UPS Overnight (Next Business Day Delivery)
        Before placing your order, call 469-233-7712.

        For shipments to addresses outside the United States

        Destinations

        We only ship to locations that are served by US Postal Service International Service.

        Charges

        • Canada and Mexico

          • Rate starts at $40.00 for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, button packs, hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets.
        • Rest of the World

          • Rates starts at $65.00.

        Additional charges for all destinations

        Some large, heavy items may have an additional shipping charge.  If that's the case, it will be noted on the product page.

        If the actual shipping cost is significantly higher than what we’re charging, we will contact you to discuss alternatives.

          All original designs are copyrighted by The History List

          All designs are copyrighted by The History List and the History Nerd text and design on t-shirts is a registered trademark. If you see a knock off, please let me know.

          Mission

          Your purchases support our mission to engage people with local history and to support historic sites and history organizations across the country.

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