Topaz One at Twilight
by
Brian Bateman
There have been few aces with the Marine night fighters. These men are a special breed, with their mounts named after loved ones back home or a city or town. The name of this F6F5N was "Black Death", a fitting name for the role in which it was used. "Black Death" was one of a few F6F5N's that was fitted with the cannon, with this particular plane having flame dampeners for better concealment. One of these elite night fighter Marine aces was Bruce Porter. Bruce was credited with 5 confirmed kills and was one of only a handful to have a rare double kill at night! Bruce flew the Corsair in Guadalcanal as well as the Hellcat later in the war.
This print depicts one of Bruce Porter's missions while commanding VMF(N) 542 based in Okinawa in 1945. Once again Brian captures the brilliance of a Pacific sunset as the men and their machines hurl into the dark unknown skies, protecting the fleet below as they anchor in the harbor. The ships lie lazy, almost peaceful in the evening mist, but there is the ever-present danger of the gut wrenching kamikaze attacks which are becoming ever more ferment as Japan continues her death throes. Soon the war will be a memory, and once again the Pacific can share it's brilliance with the world at peace.
Signed by Major Bruce Porter and the artist.

Edition Size: 250 S/N
Image Size: 22" x 16"
Price:125.00 [Order] [Checkout]
Artist Proofs Price: Not available
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