The History List
"The Ultimate Sacrifice" Limited edition print — Signed by the artist, Steve Ferguson and ten veterans from the squadron
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This is an advance order. We expect to ship this out in the third week of September.
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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.
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.
Shipping
Shipping
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
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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.
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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.
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US Postal Service shipping - The least expensive, though also less reliable than UPS. (See more on UPS in the next section.)
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$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.
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$8.95 for hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets.
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.
- $14.95 for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, button packs.
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$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)
For shipments to addresses outside the United States
DestinationsWe 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 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.
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Mission
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