The B-17 Flying Fortress was undoubtedly the most recognized bomber of WWII. Deliveries to the Army Air Corps began before America's entry in to the war. By 1941 the US was principally concerned with strengthening its forces in the Far East. B-17s would fly to Clark Field in the Philippine Islands with refueling stops at Hickam Field. Scheduled to arrive on Sunday morning, December 7th, a flight of B-17s from Hamilton Field, California came under attack as they approached Pearl Harbor. Carrying no ammunition to defend themselves the Fortresses could do nothing except land at the first available airfield. The B-17 was used extensively in the early days of the war flying numerous combat missions against Japanese targets. By mid-1943 most Fortresses had been withdrawn from the Pacific in favor of the longer ranged B-24 Liberators.

Matted print of artist Doug Kinsley's aviation illustration. Measures 5.34" x 12".