Original Item: One-of-a-kind. This print features 16 original signatures of original crew members of the Doolittle raid over Tokyo. Additionally, of the original 1500 prints it is one of only 25 of which that has both General Doolittle and Admiral Marc Mitscher's original signatures grafted into the piece. It is marked 14/25 on the print itself and on the accompanying Certificate of Authenticity. It is beautifully framed and measures 31.5" x 33".

This limited edition print has been published by the historic Eagle Field Museum (known officially as the Central California Historical Military Museum) as a special commemorative to James H. "Jimmy" Doolittle's famous Tokyo Raid. In April of 1994, The Eagle Field Museum was extremely proud to host the Doolittle Raiders' reunion in Fresno, California, and organize the General J.H. Doolittle Memorial Flight. Built in 1942, Eagle Field is one of the few World War II primary training bases remaining in the Western United States. Much of the proceeds generated by this print have gone toward the restoration of this valuable landmark, so that generations to come may be able to enjoy, appreciate and reflect upon the history this site represents. This print is the only one of its type bearing its individual number, and has been signed by the artist and 16 members of Doolittle's Tokyo Raiders. Additionally

The Mission: On April 18, 1942, sixteen Army Air Force medium bombers took off from the deck of the Navy carrier USS Hornet. Led by Lt. Col. James H. "Jimmy" Doolittle, their mission was to bomb the industrial areas in five major cities of Japan to avenge the attack on Pearl Harbor of December 7, 1941. They succeeded but the mission was not accomplished without grave danger. They had to take off earlier than planned because the 16-ship task force had been sighted and the enemy had been alerted. After bombing their respective targets, all but one of the B-25s headed for China where they were to land at designated fields. However, since they took off farther from Japan than intended, these aircraft approached the mainland in darkness and almost out of gas. The crews either bailed out or crash-landed offshore. The sixteenth plane landed in Russia where the five-man crew was interned for 14 months before escaping into friendly territory. Of the other 75 men on the raid, two died swimming to shore and one died on the bailout. Eight men were captured by the Japanese and tortured. After a mock trial, three of them were executed by firing squad; one died of beri-beri and malnutrition. The four survivors spent nearly forty months in prison, most of the time in solitary confinement. For America and her allies the raid was a badly-needed morale booster and severe psychological blow to the enemy. This was the first offensive air action undertaken against the Japanese home islands and it was 26 months before American bombers penetrated the skies over Japan to finish the job begun by Jimmy Doolittle and his Raiders. The raid had caused the enemy to change its Pacific strategy and attempt to take Midway Island as a base for further conquest. The Japanese lost the Battle of Midway disastrously. The Doolittle Raid on Japan, therefore, marked the beginning of the end of Japanese aggression in the Pacific.

C.V. Glines Author of The Doolittle Raid

From the Artist: The Hornet's Nest is a painting which holds a great deal of personal meaning to me. Jimmy Doolittle and his men represent heroism and patriotism paralleled by few during a time in our history of great fear and uncertainty. It was my goal in producing this piece to portray the anticipation and impending excitement of those preparing to launch the first strike against an enemy which had sworn to take away our freedom. In the research process for completing the painting, several members of the Tokyo Raiders themselves were of great assistance in providing information not often found in history books. Details such as the U.S.S. Enterprise's F4F Wildcats flying overhead, or a number of Doolittle's B-25s bearing cowling rings painted in their individual squadron's color particularly interested me. I had just begun the planning process for the painting when I had learned of Jimmy Doolittle's passing from this life. In this age we live in, as our nation's memory of its great history begins to slowly fade, I thank God that I have had an opportunity to keep it alive in this small way for those who will cherish our heritage in years to come.
John D. Shaw Artist of The Hornet's Nest

Eagle Field Commemorative Edition
1500 Signed and Numbered Prints Prints

- #1-25 grafted original signatures of Jimmy Doolittle and Marc Mitscher, personally signed by 16 Doolittle Raiders and the artist.

- #26-500 personally signed by 16 Doolittle Raiders and the artist.

- Prints #501-1500 personally signed by 4 Doolittle Raiders and the artist.
 
Printed in USA on Acid-Free #1 Warren Lustro Dull 120 lb. cover stock.
Published by Eagle Field Museum, Fresno, CA.
Original Painting "The Hornet's Nest" ©1994 John D. Shaw.