They Fought With What They Had by John D Shaw. (AP)

Philippine Islands, late November 1941. As the United States prepared for inevitable conflict, members of the US Army Air Corps found themselves stationed in locations throughout this area, in terrifyingly close proximity to a certain enemy far more numberous and well equipped than themselves. To the average citizen, faraway places with exotic names such as Mindinao, Java, Bataan and Corregidor held little meaning. As these young Americans would daily prepare their shiny new B-17 bombers and P-40 fighters for practice missions, none knew the exact day or hour their light heated cameraderie would be interrupted by the sound of approaching Japanese combat aircraft, and how savagely devastating the first surprise attacks would be. On December 8th, shortly after receiving the news of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the skies over American bases throughout the Philippines were darkened as well. In the following few months, these once obscure sounding places would become world famous for both the infamy wrought, and for the gallant heroism shown by the American forces isolated there. Some would gain tragic fame throughout the world, such as Colin Kelly, Harl Pease, and many of their countrymen who would make the ultimate sacrifice during combat, on the infamous Bataan Death March, or from the inhuman treatment inflicted on them by their captors.

Just one print available of this edition.

Signed by a minimum of six of the following : Staff Sergeant Robert E Altman,
Lt Col Melvin A McKenzie,
Edward Jackfert,
Col Herbert W Ellis,
Col Edward M Jacquet,
Robert Phillips
and
Col John A Wallach.

Limited edition of 75 artist proofs.

Paper size 37.5 inches x 22 inches (95cm x 56cm)