Spearhead by Gareth Hector

  • DESCRIPTION
  • EDITIONS
  • SIGNERS
  • VIDEO
  • March 6, 1945 - Cologne, Germany: Months after landing in Normandy, the men of the Third Armored Division have become the first to conquer a major German city since Napoleon. A day prior, the tankers had heard their commander: “Gentlemen, I give you Cologne. Let’s knock the hell out of it!” With armored infantry clearing the flanks, this M26 Pershing, "Eagle 7," led the charge, defeating a Panzer IV, then a Panther tank at the cathedral. Now, they’ve reached the Rhine. As the Shermans circle around, Cpl. Clarence Smoyer draws SSgt. Bob Early’s attention to the German heartland across the river. It’s time to radio back to headquarters: “Cologne is in American hands.”

    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

  • VICTORY EDITION - LOW SUPPLY!
    280 limited-edition prints, signed by Gareth Hector and two heroes from the bestselling book "Spearhead": Clarence Smoyer, gunner of the T26E3 Pershing "Eagle 7" (depicted) and Joe Caserta, tank commander of "Everlasting" (depicted). Includes two photos showing the battle for Cologne, a 32nd AR pin, and Certificate of Authenticity. 

    PUBLISHER PROOF - Resale, in mint condition!
    This long sold-out Publisher Proof is from an edition of 100 numbered prints autographed by artist Gareth Hector and including the autographs of 8 WWII veterans! Signing the print are "Spearhead" heroes Clarence Smoyer (depicted in "Eagle 7"), Buck Marsh (Blitz Dough), Joe Caserta (commander of "Everlasting"), Jack Irwin (Pershing gunner & author of Another Tank, Another Town) and "Hell on Wheels" tankers & FURY consultants Ray Stewart & George Smilanich. As a bonus are two autographed cards, perfect to frame with your print, signed by "Spearhead" tank commander Frank "Cajun Boy" Audiffred and P-47 pilot Ed Cottrell who flew in support of the 3rd AD. Included with the print is a mini Bronze Star medal, like that awarded to Smoyer in 2019, and two photos relating to the fighting in Cologne.

    ARTIST PROOF - Sold Out
    100 limited-edition prints

    OTHER EDITIONS
    A Signer Proof edition of 100 prints exists, not-for-sale. 45 canvas giclees will be for sale. 

  • "Spearhead" is hand-signed by a collection of WWII heroes! Signers vary print by print. Please click "editions" to see which veterans signed which prints.

    Frank Audiffred (Separate Signature Card)
    Nicknamed "Cajun Boy," Frank served as a gunner and commander in M4 Shermans alongside Clarence & Joe Caserta in Easy Company. Frank had four tanks shot out from under him!

    Joe Caserta
    Joe served as a driver and commander in Shermans alongside Frank & Clarence in E-Co.. Joe was wounded during the assault on Blatzheim and appears in the book Spearhead.

    John Irwin
    John served as a gunner in Shermans and later on the T26E4 "Super Pershing." He is the author of Another Tank, Another Town and is mentioned in the book Spearhead.

    Malcolm "Buck" Marsh
    Buck served as a "Blitz Dough" with A-Co., 36th Armored Infantry Regiment, riding Clarence's Pershing into battle at Paderborn. Buck is a main character in the book Spearhead.

    George Smilanich
    George served as a tank driver in the 2nd AD "Hell on Wheels," from North Africa to Normandy to the Bulge & beyond. Earned the Bronze Star for pulling his commander from their burning Sherman. Served as a consultant on the film "Fury."

    Clarence Smoyer
    One of America’s most celebrated tank gunners, Clarence served in Shermans before being awarded one of 20 Pershings shipped to the ETO. He claimed five enemy tanks in battle and is the hero of the bestselling book Spearhead.

    Ray Stewart
    Ray served as a tank driver in the 2nd Armored division, from Normandy to the Bulge and beyond. He served as a consultant on the movie "Fury."

  • Spearhead is signed by Clarence Smoyer, one of America’s newest war heroes. On September 18, he received the Bronze Star with V for Valor for knocking at the Panther at the cathedral in Cologne on March 6, 1945, the day depicted in Spearhead!


$395 USD

THE REAL DEAL
Our autographed products are hand-signed by the heroes who were there!
THE VALOR STUDIOS DIFFERENCE
We financially compensate our veteran signers for their autographs.
GET 'EM WHILE YOU CAN
Nearly all of our prints are limited-editions bearing an exclusively assigned number.
HISTORICAL TREASURE
Once a signed item sells out, it often appreciates in value due to its rarity.