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"In Pursuit of the Cross" captures the fateful moment when Luftwaffe ace Franz Stigler lifts off from Jever airfield, chasing the crippled B-17 "Ye Olde Pub"—only to make a choice that rose above medals and orders. He would answer a higher call.
Each paper giclée is a stunning, museum-quality reproduction, hand-autographed by six distinguished veterans of the 8th Air Force, who signed in salute to Franz Stigler’s extraordinary act of honor and mercy.
Renowned aviation artist Nicolas Trudgian has personally signed every giclée and hand-lettered the title, ensuring that no two pieces are exactly alike.
Completing this remarkable offering is an original wartime portrait of Franz Stigler, personally hand-signed by Franz himself in blue marker—an enduring connection to a man whose honor in the cockpit inspires to this day.
Want to know "who" signed which print edition? Click the EDITIONS tab above.
Shipping added at checkout // giclee size: 12.75" x 18.75" // ships rolled in a tube
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ANNIVERSARY EDITION - Resale, in mint-condition!
Sold out years ago, this hard-to-find giclee, #2/43 is from the Anniversary Edition of 43 paper giclees released in 2018. We're including a portrait photo hand-autographed in marker by Franz Stigler, perfect to frame underneath, along with the giclee itself, signed by Nicolas Trudgian and six B-17 aircrew:
B-17 gunners Ray Matheny ("Deacon's Sinners") and Hugh McGinty ("Blue Blazing Blizzard") who flew in the 379th alongside Charlie & his crew!
B-17 pilot & POW Clayton Nattier ("Heavenly Body")
B-17 pilot Fred Wiese ("The Little One")
B-17 gunner "Lucky" McGinty ("I Dood It"), brother of signer Hugh McGinty
B-17 gunner Mike Quering (34 missions)
Also includes wartime photos of Charlie and Franz, 8th AF and JG 27 pins, and a Certificate of Authenticity.
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RAY MATHENY
379th BG, 525th Sqn., 18-year-old B-17 top turret gunner on "Deacon's Sinners." Shot down on the Jan. 5th mission described in "A Higher Call."
HUGH MCGINTY
379th BG, 524th Sqn., B-17 Tail Gunner on "The Blue Blazing Blizzard." Flew in the same formation as Lt. Charlie Brown!
ELMER "LUCKY" MCGINTY
95th BG, 339th Sqn., B-17 Gunner on "I Dood It." 29 combat missions. Brother of Hugh McGinty.
CLAYTON NATTIER
306th BG, 369th Sqn., 21-year-old B-17 pilot of "Heavenly Body." Shot down over Merseburg, Germany.
MIKE QUERING
487th BG, 838th Sqn., 18-year-old B-17 gunner with 34 combat missions. Wounded in action. Original cadre of the 487th Bomb Group.
FRANZ STIGLER (PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPH)
JG 27 & JV 44 Bf 109 & Me 262 pilot with 487 combat missions and 28 victories.
FRED WIESE
351st BG, 508th Sqn., B-17 pilot of "The Little One," "Merrie Christie," "Lucky Jewell," and "Annie Marie." 36 combat missions.
