WWII 497th Bomb Group Multi Signed 'Pacific Dolls' 20X26 Stan Stokes Lithograph (AIV) x5 Veterans

"**""Pacific Dolls"" 22x26 Print by Stan Stokes – Hand-Signed by WWII 497th Bomb Group Veterans Bill Anderson, Ed Cutler, Jack Bisany, Stan Erickson, Don Julin, and Artist Stan Stokes – Authenticated by AI-Verified**

This rare and historically significant 22x26 print titled *""Pacific Dolls""* is a stunning piece of aviation art by award-winning artist Stan Stokes, hand-signed by five veterans of the WWII 497th Bomb Group and the artist himself. The piece comes authenticated by AI-Verified authentication services and includes their Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring the legitimacy and value of this unique collectible.

**About the Veterans:**

- **Bill Anderson**: A veteran of the 497th Bomb Group, Anderson played a critical role in maintaining and flying the B-29 Superfortresses during the final stages of the war in the Pacific.



- **Ed Cutler**: Colonel Edward Cutler was the commanding officer of the 497th Bomb Group in 1944 and 1945. Under his leadership, the group flew crucial missions from Saipan, including the historic firebombing of Tokyo. Cutler's leadership and bravery helped define the group’s success in their relentless bombing campaigns.

- **Jack Bisany**: A dedicated crew member of the 497th Bomb Group, Bisany contributed to the operations of the B-29 Superfortresses, supporting their long-range bombing missions over Japan during the war.

- **Stan Erickson**: Erickson served as an integral part of the ground and flight crews that kept the 497th Bomb Group’s B-29s operational, ensuring they could carry out their missions against Japanese targets in 1945.

- **Don Julin**: Lt. Col. Don Julin, navigator for Col. Cutler, flew on numerous combat missions, including the firebombing of Tokyo in March 1945. His experiences, later chronicled in his book *Flying the Red Carpet*, recount the dangers and triumphs of flying in the Pacific Theater.

**B-29 Superfortress and The Texas Doll**:

The Boeing B-29 Superfortress was a pivotal aircraft in the Pacific Theater of World War II. Renowned for its large payload capacity and long range, the B-29 became the go-to strategic bomber for the U.S., particularly in the final year of the war. *The Texas Doll*, part of the 497th Bomb Group based in Saipan, participated in some of the most decisive bombing raids of the war, including the massive March 10, 1945, firebombing of Tokyo. This particular mission, ordered by General Curtis LeMay, saw the B-29s stripped of armor and gunners to carry more bombs, underscoring the high-risk nature of these operations.

**About the Print – ""Pacific Dolls""**:

Stan Stokes' *Pacific Dolls* captures the spirit and nostalgia of these historic missions, depicting *The Texas Doll* at Saipan following a mission in March of 1945. This painting honors the brave crews who flew and serviced the B-29s, whose dedication and courage helped bring an end to the war in the Pacific. The art also pays tribute to the famous nose art that adorned many of these bombers, symbolizing the crews' resilience and camaraderie during harrowing combat missions.

This print, signed by five WWII veterans and the artist Stan Stokes, is a unique historical artifact and tribute to the men who flew the iconic B-29 Superfortresses in the Pacific Theater.

**Piece Overview**:

Authenticated by AI-Verified and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, this limited edition print is a rare opportunity to own a tribute to one of the most significant aircraft and air campaigns of World War II.

For collectors of military history and aviation art, this *Pacific Dolls* print is an invaluable addition, celebrating the courage and dedication of the 497th Bomb Group and their role in securing victory in the Pacific."

Due to the uniqueness of each item, please refer to the photos provided in this auction. We offer high resolution images of each item rather than a written description of condition.

This item is being shipped from the Pristine Auction warehouse.