The collection spans four wars: WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and Desert Storm. The majority (80) of paintings are of WWII aircraft. The paintings depict the actual aircraft flown by these airmen. Painstaking research was done to ensure the paintings are accurate portrayals. Unit designations, personal markings, model, type, and vintage are as accurate as possible. Interviews with the pilot or crew, and photos were used whenever possible to verify the accuracy of aircraft information.

As you view this gallery, you will notice many famous names (Bush, Doolittle, Yeager, Tibbits, Glenn, Zemke, etc.). You will also encounter many less known airmen, but no less courageous or accomplished. Many of those included in the collection are Medal of Honor recipients. Numerous aircraft had elaborate "nose art", while other aircraft involved in very important combat action had no decorative paintings. I have tried to include a great variety of aircraft from all branches of military service and theaters of action. For some types of aircraft it was difficult to find a surviving crewmember, while for other aircraft the requests from airmen to paint their specific planes were too numerous to include everyone.

The paintings are on hand-made French watercolor paper, and all have the same white paper background. They are all hand-painted with watercolor paintbrushes; no stencils or airbrushes were used. Sixteen of the paintings are 14" X 21", the others are 10" X 14".

Some airmen signed their paintings in my presence, while all the other paintings were sent through the mail to be signed. I have letters, photos, and notes of validation for most of the collection.

The ultimate reward for me in undertaking this project was receiving the numerous notes and letters from the airmen thanking me for including them in this collection of aviation history. I have promised them all that one day this group of paintings celebrating their service will be on permanent display in a fine museum. I hope to find a permanent home soon.

Sincerely Yours,