 |
[still larger image]
Apache Princess
WWII B-25
Numbered Limited Edition
Print
Signed by the artist and by Col. Roman Ohnemus, Pilot of the 'Apache Princess',
the aircraft depicted in this painting.
$40
|
Apache Princess
WWII B-25
Numbered Limited Edition
Print
Signed by the artist and by Col. Roman Ohnemus, Pilot of the 'Apache Princess',
the aircraft depicted in this painting.
$40
Col. Ohnemus, whose aircraft the "Apache Princess" is pictured here, flew 56 missions in the South Pacific Area from New Guinea to Japan. Upon joining the 354th Bombardment Group in July of 1944 as a Lt. he flew the North American B-25J in combat until the end of the war. The "Apache Princess" was his assigned aircraft for most of his tour, but it was lost to anti-aircraft fire over Formosa on May 27, 1945 while being flown by another crew.
The 354th Group suffered heavily, losing over 250% of their aircraft. Of the 7 replacement pilots that left the U.S. with Lt. Ohnemus, only he and one other survived to the end of the war.
The B-25s used by by the 345th Bombardment Group were specially modified as "Strafers" for low altitude attacks on shipping and ground targets. The aircraft mounted from 4 to 8 - .50 caliber machine guns in the nose, replacing the Bombardier and another 4 - .50 caliber guns in side packages mounted 2 each on each side of the aircraft. Some aircraft nmounted a 75mm cannon in the nose.
This unique group amassed an impressive record and paid a very dear price in the process. The painting of the "Apache Princess" is a tribute to their effort.