Fortress at Rest | Richard Taylor

The bomber crews of the U.S. Eighth Air Force secured their place in aviation history through extraordinary heroism and unwavering dedication to duty. As one of the most highly decorated organizations of World War II, they earned 17 Medals of Honor and 66 Distinguished Unit Citation awards. However, their victories came at a staggering cost—nearly 6,000 heavy bombers were lost, and only one in three airmen survived the perilous air battles over Europe. In this evocative edition, Richard Taylor captures a rare moment of calm for the Mighty Eighth. During the harsh winter of 1944, deep overnight snow has temporarily grounded operations, offering a brief reprieve for the weary crews. In the soft morning light, a B-17G Flying Fortress of the 398th Bomb Group stands silently on the snow-covered airfield at RAF Nuthampstead, awaiting the thaw that will signal a return to action.

Honoring the critical role of the Mighty Eighth in securing Allied victory, this atmospheric piece is personally signed by three veterans who flew B-17s with the 8th Air Force. Among them is Jim White, one of the youngest pilots in the unit, who flew with the 398th from Nuthampstead. Fortress at Rest is a poignant tribute to the brave bomber crews of the "Mighty Eighth," preserving their legacy for generations to come.

The Signatures: Each print is individually numbered and personally signed by the artist Richard Taylor along with three veterans who flew B-17s with the Eighth Air Force in WWII:

• First Lieutenant James White Jr
• First Lieutenant Charles 'Norm' Stevens
• First Lieutenant Ken Sharpe

Dimensions: 23.25 x 14.25 inches

Release Date: 2016