Next Time Get Em All
by
William Phillips
Shortly after 9 AM., 20 December 1941, on an airdield near Hanoi, ten Ki-21 type 97 heavy bombers roar skyward to deliver a load of bombs on Kunming. However, they were never to reach their destination. An intricate network of early warning communications had located them and tracked their progress as they approached the target. Approximately 130 kilometers from Kinming the American Volunteer Groups 1st and 2nd squadrons were alerted to intercept them. During the battle that was to follow, six of the ten bombers were destroyed, and of the four that turned for home, only one made it back to safety. This was to be a great morale boost to the beleaguered Flying Tigers during those last trying months of 1941. Upon hearing of the victory, General Chennault was heard to explain to one of the pilots, "Next time, get em all." This painting depicts Bob Neale and his wingman W.E. Bartling during a diving attack on the Ki-21's. Bob Neale accounted for one of the victories during this action and went on to become the AVG's top scoring ace.

Countersigned by the following ten Flying Tigers.
American Volunteer Group - Chinese Air Force:
First Squadron: Squadron Leader Robert H. Neale Vice Squadron Leader Charles R. Bond Flight Leader John R. Rossi Flight Leader Fritz E. Wolf Armorer Donald L. Rodewald
Second Squadron: Squadron Leader David Lee "Tex" Hill Flight Leader Robert B. Keeton Flight Leader Robert C. Moss
Third Squadron: Flight Leader C.H. Laughlin Flight Leader Ken A. Jernstedt

Image Size: 32" x 23 ¾"

Artist's Proof Price: Sold Out

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