Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress 42-30681, by Ron Cole

Built in Boeing’s Seattle plant as Construction Number 5795, this Fortress was assigned to the 11th Air Force operating in Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. Operating in one of the most inhospitable theaters of World War II, this aircraft was in constant action against both the Japanese and the area’s hostile weather. On April 27, 1943, B-17F 42-30681 was on a bombing run against Japanese positions when the aircraft was damaged by ground fire. On its return flight the crew were ultimately forced to take to their parachutes, while the B-17F crashed into the ground. In 1986, and again in 2001, the wreck site was salvaged for parts. Each signed & numbered by the artist.