78th Fighter Group
78th Fighter Group
A number of Aviation artists, over the years, have selected the 78th Fighter Group as an inspiration for their work. Showcased here, are a number of these renderings portraying scenes of 78th aircraft.
Robert Bailey
" Morning Thunder "
An art work from Robert Bailey depicts P-47Ds of the 84th Fighter Squadron attacking a German airdrome in late 1944. For more information about Robert Bailey and his work, please visit the web site, " Robert Bailey - Aviation Artist ".
A pencil sketch of a 78th Fighter Group P-47D by Robert Bailey.
( It is unlawful to reproduce these images in part or in whole without the expressed consent of the artist. Copyright © by Robert Bailey )
Marc Stewart
" Target of Opportunity "
Inspired by in-flight photographs taken in 1944 of a 78th Fighter Group P-47D, Marc Stewart created the subject work. By chance, Marc left a inquiry with the 1993 " P-47 Pilots Association Meeting" information desk "looking for a pilot from the 82nd Fighter Squadron to sign an aviation painting" . The message was passed on to Dick Hewitt, who was in attendance. As it turned out, the aircraft depicted, P-47D-25-RE, MX-E, s/n 42-26635, was flown specifically by Dick Hewitt for that particular photo session. The two parties got together where it was confirmed . This started a long term relationship between Marc and Dick and greatly influenced Dick to write and publish his memoirs / biography. Dick Hewitt's new book, entitled "Target of Opportunity - Tales and Contrails of the Second World War ", is reviewed on this web site.
For more information about the artist and his work, contact Marc Stewart directly, via email at Stewart Art
( It is unlawful to reproduce this image in part or in whole without the expressed consent of the artist. Copyright © by Marc Stewart )
Derek Bunce
" Top Cover "
( Picture Source : " The Mighty Eighth in Art ", Roger A. Freeman, Arms & Armour Press, 1996, ISBN 1 85409 312 6 )
This painting by Derek Bunce depicts Thunderbolts of the 84th Fighter Squadron weaving over a formation of B-24J Liberators of the 489th Bomb Group out of Halesworth. The foremost aircraft is P-47D-25-RE, WZ-S, s/n 42-28878, "Eileen", assigned to 1st Lt. Frank E. Oiler. Pictures of this aircraft and information regarding Lt. Oiler can be found on this web site at 84th Fighter Squadron, "Eileen".
William S. Phillips
" Through The Back Door "
( Picture Source: Webmaster )
An early painting by the artist William S. Phillips shows a Thunderbolt from the 82nd Fighter Squadron making a strafing run on a German airdrome. The particular aircraft depicted is a P-47D razorback, MX-W, s/n 42-26387, "Miss Behave" assigned to 1st. Lt. Robert A. Bosworth. This aircraft was the second to the last block "22" razorback P-47D to be built by Republic. All others woud be produced with Bubble type canopies. The particular print shown was signed by veterans of the 78th Fighter Group attending the October, 2000 reunion in Peoria, Az., and raffled for the benefit of the 78th Fighter Group Association memorial fund. Robert T. Green( Capt. R. T. Green, 83rd Fighter Squadron ) had the lucky ticket.
For more information about the artist, William S. Phillips, and his work please visit the web site at Aviator Art.Com
Keith Mallen
( Picture Source: Derek Horne collection )
Artist Keith Mallen drew this pencil sketch of an 84th Squadron P-51D, WZ-S, s/n 44-63209, "Sherman was Right". 1st. Lt. Frank Oiler was assigned this aircraft. See additional information on this web site at 84th Fighter Squadron, "Sherman was Right
Don Greer
Technical publication cover illustrations, profile plates and details have always been Don Greer's art specialty.
In the above illustration, Don Greer provides a profile rendering of the 84th Fighter Squadron P-51D, WZ-S, s/n 44-63209, " Sherman was Right ", for the 1982 reference book " The P-51 Mustang in Color ", authored by Larry Davis for Squadron / Signal Publications. 78th Fighter Group aircraft are used quite frequently in these renderings due to their distinctive colorful markings. More of Don's 78th work can be viewed at:
78th Fighter Group
Publication Cover and Profile Illustrations
Jim Laurier
" Guardian Angels "
" P-51D Mustangs of the 78th Fighter Group are depicted flying top cover for B-17's on a deep penetration raid into Germany. The classic "finger four" formation is being led by John Landers in the"Big Beautiful Doll", probably the most recognized P-51D from the 78th FG. U.S. bomber formations always felt more comfortable when their "little friends" were in sight. The Germans always found B-17's and Mustangs to be an unwelcome sight as both were formidable adversaries. Many consider the classic black and white checkerboard motif and red trim of the 78th FG Mustangs to be one of the most attractive aircraft paint schemes of World War II."
" A Job Well Done "
" This painting depicts 78th Fighter Group P-47D Thunderbolts returning to their revetements in Duxford, England, after a successful combat mission. In the foreground, a pilot stops to congratulate his wingman who has scored his first kill. The ground crew looks on with pride, knowing that they have shared in this victory through their dedication to keeping their ship combat ready. "
( These images and narratives were provided by the artist, Jim Laurier. It is unlawful to reproduce these images in part or in whole without the expressed consent of the artist. ©Aviation Art by Jim Laurier )
To contact Jim Laurier , e-mail him at jalco@top.monad.net or visit his web page " The Aviation Art of Jim Laurier ".
Robert Taylor
Duxford Airdrome with it's rich history and tradition has always been an inspiration for Aviation artists, in particular, Robert Taylor. The 78th Fighter Group, with it's historical significance and unique colorful aircraft markings has also been the focus of a several of his fine art works.
" Checking Out "
Ground Crewmen work diligently on a 78th Fighter Group P-47 at Duxford airdrome. The ground crews were assigned specific aircraft and took a special pride in keeping them "on the line"( air worthy and combat ready). This painting was done by Robert Taylor in 1990.
" Return to Duxford "
Winter 1944, P-51Ds from the 83rd Fighter Squadron fly low over the snow covered Cambridgeshire countryside returning to Duxford Air Field.
" The Mighty Eighth - Outward Bound "
A 78th Fighter Group P-47D taxies out for takeoff from Duxford. Auxiliary wing tanks suggest a mission deep into enemy territory. Invasion stripes can be seen on the aircraft suggesting that the time of this operation was D- Day or thereafter. P-51s from the 361st Fighter Group can be seen overhead along with a gathering squadron of B-17s.
Please visit the " Wings Fine Art " web site for more information about Robert Taylor and his work.
" BIG BEAUTIFUL DOLL "
"Big Beautiful Doll ", P-51D, WZ-I, s/n 44-72218, the personal aircraft of Col. John D. Landers, Commanding Officer of the 78th Fighter Group( 2-20-45 to 7-1-45 ) is considered one of the most colorful aircraft to serve in the VIII Fighter Command. This aircraft has been popular subject for a number of art works over the years.
Please click on the picture for a larger image and artist credits.
-
-
This page last revised 7 / 16 / 02
Return to the 78th Fighter Group Main gpage.
