| Fallen
Comrades of the 357th Fighter Group
Fallen Comrades is a tribute to all members
of the 357th Fighter Group lost during WWII.
Stan's painting depicts P-51 aircraft commanded by four distinguished
357th FG pilots who exemplify the "greatest generation." Two of
these heroes were lost during the war. Capt. James W. Browning, the pilot
of Gentleman Jim, was listed as missing in action during a combat mission
in 1944. In a dogfight over Fulda, Captain Browning collided with an
Me-262 jet fighter piloted by a German Baron. There were no recoverable
remains.
Captain Edward K. Simpson, pilot of the Flying Panther, flew an aircraft
that was purchased with war bond drive donations collected by the high
school students of East Orange, New Jersey. Eddie was involved in a
mid-air collision with a squadron-mate and presumed lost in 1944. Eddie
actually survived the collision and was found by a group of French freedom
fighters. A large group of freedom fighters and civilians came under
attack by Germans. Eddie and several others held off the Germans, giving
up their lives, but allowing the others to escape. The town of
Ouzouer-sur-Loire has erected a monument at the scene honoring Eddie and
the five others that heroically perished on August 10, 1944.
The lower border of each print contains the names of all 357th Fighter
Group members who made the ultimate sacrifice. The co-signers were
squadron mates and flew many missions with both Jim Browning and Eddie
Simpson. All artist's proofs have a special pen and ink remarque by Stan
Stokes.
Signatures: Col. C.E. "Bud" Anderson (Pilot of Old Crow),
Capt. William B. Overstreet (Pilot ofThe Berlin Express). |