A Higher Call

A Higher Call
by
John D. Shaw
Encountering a mortally-wounded B-17 limping back to England, Luftwaffe ace Franz Stigler anticipated an easy kill and another opportunity to avenge his brother’s death at the opening of WWII. As he approached the virtually helpless American plane, however, he saw the faces of the dead and wounded crewmen. Then, Stigler’s eyes met those of pilot Charles Brown. Despite the potentially severe consequences of letting an enemy plane escape, Stigler felt that he had to answer a higher call of honor . . . mercy.

Expecting the worst at any moment, Brown marveled as the enemy Bf-109 stuck with him to the North Sea. His adversary then saluted and veered away, allowing the astonished Brown to journey safely home. With this encounter engraved into the minds of both pilots for decades after the war’s end, the two men remarkably located one another in 1990. In the years that followed, their friendship developed to the point where Stigler considered Brown to be as precious as the brother he had lost.

Victory Edition Only 400 limited edition prints,
each signed by JG 27 ace Franz Stigler,
379th BG B-17 pilot Charlie Brown,
and artist John D. Shaw.

Package includes:

Photos of Franz & Charlie to frame with your print!

Color COA with "History Behind the Art" stories and trivia

Artist Proof Only 150 limited edition prints,
each autographed by JG 27 ace Franz Stigler,
B-17 pilot Charlie Brown,
and artist John D. Shaw. (Limit one per customer)

Package includes:

B&W "Return of the Pub" print signed by two surprise signers!

A metal skin relic from a B-17 that flew combat over Germany!

Photos of Franz & Charlie to frame with your print!

Color COA with "History Behind the Art" stories and trivia

BONUS "Return of the Pub" John D. Shaw print:
Pilot Charles Brown wrestles his B-17 "Ye Olde Pub" back to England after the extremely harrowing mission. Following a bombing run over Bremen, Germany, Brown's plane was attacked, sustaining extensive damage and casualties. As Brown fought to keep his plane in the air, P-47s who had also participated in the raid over Bremen, encountered "The Pub," marveled at the damaged bomber, and helped escort her to a safe landing at Seething Air Base, England.