Carl Peterson Signed 'Ruby's Fortress' 11x16 Lithograph (AIV)

""" Calling all history buffs and collectors!







Discover a piece of World War II aviation history with this exceptional find: a hand-signed 11 1/2 X 16 lithograph titled """"Ruby's Fortress"""" by acclaimed artist Stan Stokes. Authenticated by AI-Verified authentication services, this captivating lithograph commemorates the bravery and camaraderie of WWII pilot Carl Peterson and his crew.







In """"Ruby's Fortress,"""" Stan Stokes skillfully depicts a B-17 Flying Fortress soaring through the skies amidst a backdrop of billowing clouds and distant mountains. The aircraft, affectionately named """"Ruby,"""" symbolizes the resilience and determination of the crews who flew these iconic bombers during the war.







The hand-signed signature of Carl Peterson, a distinguished WWII pilot, adds an extra layer of authenticity and historical significance to this lithograph, making it a prized addition to any collection.







With AI-Verified authentication services, you can bid with confidence, knowing that the signature on this lithograph has been verified using cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology. This ensures that you are acquiring a genuine piece of history, signed by Carl Peterson himself.







Don't miss your chance to own this rare piece of military memorabilia. Bid now and make this hand-signed Stan Stokes lithograph of """"Ruby's Fortress,"""" authenticated by AI-Verified authentication services, the centerpiece of your collection. Honor the bravery and sacrifice of WWII pilot Carl Peterson and commemorate the enduring legacy of the B-17 Flying Fortress. Place your bid today and let this extraordinary piece of history become a cherished part of your collection! ""







Carl D. Peterson was born on January 19, 1924. After attending St. John's University, Peterson enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp. in October 1942. He commenced pilot training in April of 1943, and in early 1944 was commissioned as a second lieutenant. After completing B-17 training at Hobbs, New Mexico, and combat crew training at Sioux City, Iowa, Peterson was assigned to the 549th Bomb Squadron of the 385th Bomb Group based at Great Ashfield, England. The 385th was part of the Eighth Air Force, which was under the command of General james Doolittle, the great aviation pioneer who had led the daring B-25 raid on Tokyo only a few short months after Pearl Harbor. Peterson arrived in England in late September 1944 in time for the 200th mission celebration. While undergoing his final training the 549th lost eleven aircraft on a single mission to Berlin during an all out attack by 75 German fighters. Peterson's rookie crew became the fifth oldest in the squadron before they had flown their first mission. Peterson participated in a bombing raid of the Cologne rail yards during his third mission. On this mission, Peterson's aircraft lost two engines because of flak hits. A third engine was lost on return and he was forced to make a crash landing in Belgium, only two miles behind the front. In November Peterson took part in the largest air battle of all time when 1100 bombers and 900 fighters of the Eighth Air Force took on 500 Luftwaffe fighters during an attack on Meresberg. Peterson flew a total of thirty-five B-17 missions. On more than half of those missions he lost one or more engines. On four of those missions they were attacked by German fighters, and on four occasions they were forced down on the European Continent due to battle damage. Carl Peterson flew Ruby's Raiders as a back-up aircraft on more than one occasion. Peterson was also present when Cpl. Ruby Newell visited the 385th for the dedication of the aircraft, named in her honor. Peterson also served in Korea as Squadron Commander of the 339th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, which flew the F-94B. In 1961 while stationed in Saudi Arabia, Peterson organized an acrobatic team flying the F-86. General Peterson served in Vietnam where he piloted the A-1 Skyraider. In 1973 Peterson was promoted to Brigadier General and put in command of the USAF Defense Weapons Center at Tyndall Air Force Base. General Peterson flew his last operational flight in an F-106 in May of 1977. This was the culmination of more than 5,400 hours of military flying in 28 different aircraft. For two years prior to his retirement in 1979 General Peterson was third in command of land, air, and naval forces assigned to the NATO mission. Peterson received more than 20 decorations during his distinguished career. Carl Peterson died on 23rd December 2010."

The lot / autograph(s) includes an official Authentication Integrity Verified (AIV) hologram and matching COA for authenticity purposes.

Authentication: AIV COA

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.