"Maiden USA - Welcome to Poland" by Michael Short On 3 February 1945, B-17's of the 8th Air Force attacked Berlin/Tempelhof airport while B-24's struck the synthetic oil plant at Magdeburg.  For the crew of one B-17G of the 401st BG "Maiden USA", it was to mark their last mission. The flak was heavy over Berlin that fateful day and after "bombs away" the "Maiden" lost engines 2 and 4 to flak.  Because of strong head winds, returning to Deenthorpe was not an option and the decision was made to head east toward the Russian front.  Looking for a place to land, the B-17 circled the beleaguered city of Warsaw.  Suddenly they found themselves in the gun sight of a Soviet fighter.  The Russian aircraft made three passes and on the third pass the B-17 fired a flare and lowered it's landing gear.  The Russian LaGG-5N escorted the aircraft to safety and the "Maiden" landed at Kufleveo. However that was not to be the end of the story.  "Maiden USA" and her crew were about to become pawns of the Russian Bear and they found themselves at the center of international diplomacy and politics which resulted in them being held imcommunicado for sever weeks. Meanwhile to all at home they were MIA! Michael Short captures the dramatic moment when the LaGG-5FN intercepts the Flying Fortress in this beautiful limited edition print.  All prints are individually signed by the artist and the following crew members of "Maiden USA":  1st Lt. Myron L. King, and S/Sgt Ernest Pavlas. Edition Size:  401 S/N Image Size:    16 3/4" x 24" Print Size:    24" 31" Price:    $95.00 [Order] [Checkout] Copyright © 1999 Military Art Gallery