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Bougainville Island, December 27, 1943: It’s a Monday morning on Cape Torokina. As PT boats return from a night patrol, the Black Sheep of VMF-214 take over the day shift. Nearly two months earlier, the 3rd Marine Division landed here, allowing Seabees to scrape an airfield from the jungle.
Now, the flyboys have the perfect launch pad to “challenge the Japanese in their own backyard.” On this day they will make a 250-mile commute to Rabaul where five of the American pilots will score victories. After that they’ll return in time for lunch, and their leader, Gregory “Pappy” Boyington, will sum up the morning’s work best: “The hunting was fine.” 
Want to know "who" signed which print edition? Click the EDITIONS tab above.
Shipping added in checkout // print size: 32" x 22.5" // ships rolled in a tube
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MAIN EDITION
100 limited-edition prints, includes an autograph card from Black Sheep pilot Ed Harper (depicted in the scene), Black Sheep & PT crewman felt patches, photos of Torokina airfield & PT boats, and a Certificate of Authenticity autographed by artist Mark Postlethwaite.
ARTIST PROOF - Only 3 remain!
30 limited-edition prints, each autographed by three veterans of the Pacific War: Black Sheep squadron pilots Ed Harper (shown in the scene) and Jim Hill, along with PT boat gunner Charles Brooking. Includes Navy wings, photos of Torokina airfield & PT boats, Black Sheep & PT crewman felt patches, and a Certificate of Authenticity autographed by artist Mark Postlethwaite.
PUBLISHER PROOF - Sold Out
80 limited-edition prints, autographed by six veterans of the Pacific War.
OTHER EDITIONS
50 Signer Proofs exist for project helpers.
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"Pacific Raiders" is hand-signed by a collection of WWII heroes! Signers vary print by print. Please click "editions" to see which veterans signed which prints.
CHARLES BROOKING
Enlisted in the Navy at age 17 with parental permission. Deployed to the Southwest Pacific in Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron Sixteen where he served as a gunner aboard PT-223, and later, PT-619, PT-621, and PT-617. Spent two years in active service followed by another eight in the Naval reserves.
TOM "LONG TOM" EMRICH
An original member of Boyington's "Black Sheep," Tom flew both combat tours with the unit. He shot down two Japanese Zeroes on October 17, 1943. After the war he would become a pilot with TWA, flying for 35 years and ending his career as a 747 captain.
ED "HARPO" HARPER
28-year Marine Corps veteran, original member of Boyington's "Black Sheep." Depicted in "Pacific Raiders". Flew combat missions in three wars: 97 in WWII, 21 in Korea & 14 in Vietnam. Awarded three DFCs, 7 Air Medals, a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. Helped develop the Harrier jet program at McDonnell Douglas.
JIM "J.J." HILL
An original member of Boyington's “Black Sheep," Hill flew two combat tours under Pappy's leadership, scoring a victory on October 18, 1943. Hill flew a total of 100 combat mission during WWII and received 3 DFCs and 12 Air Medals.
HARRY "SKINNY" JOHNSON
Joined the "Black Sheep" as a replacement pilot during their second tour, in Nov. 1943. Shot down a Zero near Rabaul on January 6, 1944, the last victory to be scored before the squadron was disbanded. Flew 84 missions in total as a Corsair pilot in WWII and another 69 missions in the Korean War.
BRUCE MATHESON
34-year Marine Corps veteran, retired a Brig. Gen. Youngest member of Boyington's "Black Sheep." Shot down three enemy aircraft, 1.5 probables. Flew combat missions in WWII, Korea and 400 missions as a Huey pilot in Vietnam. Awarded three DFCs, 30+ Air Medals, and a Purple Heart.
