Restoring History, the story behind "Old Glory"

This Fine Art Print by Artist Craig Tinder commemorates the crew members of the 310th Bombardment Group along with their B-25 Mitchells and includes a one-of-a-kind relic. This art piece was created in conjunction with the team at Hangar 743 and the Prescott foundation who are currently restoring the flying warbird, "Old Glory". 

Details about the RELIC:

This relic originates from the engine cowl panel of B-25J-15-N aircraft, serial number 44-28938, now famously known as Old Glory. Built in Kansas City, KS, Old Glory rolled off the assembly line on 9 August 1944 and was quickly dispatched to the 12th Army Air Force, 57th Bomb Wing, 310th Bombardment Group, 428th Bombardment Squadron in Italy. There, she participated in numerous bombing missions during World War II. Remarkably, she is one of only two B-25 Mitchells still flying today that saw active combat operations during the war.

Cowl panel from B-25J-15-N aircraft SN 44-28938

After the war, Old Glory transitioned to peacetime duties, serving as a fire bomber, corporate transport, and air tanker. Her versatility demonstrated the adaptability of the B-25 platform in various roles beyond military service. In 2020, however, Old Glory suffered a crash that required a full restoration. During the restoration process, several original 1940s components, including the engine cowl panel, were replaced as part of bringing the aircraft back to airworthy condition.

Artist Craig Tinder cutting pieces of "Old Glory" for use in the limited edition print.

The fragment included with this piece was removed from the original engine cowl panel during the restoration. It stands as a testament to the aircraft's enduring legacy, representing both its service during World War II and its continued role as a symbol of aviation history. Fully restored, Old Glory now flies again, educating the public and preserving the legacy of the brave aircrews who piloted the B-25 Mitchell into combat.

The Story Behind the Print:

On 20 April 1945, six B-25J Mitchell medium bombers from the 12th Army Air Force embarked on a critical mission to target the Cento Road Bridge in Northern Italy. The bridge, spanning the Reno River and connecting Bologna to Ferrara by rail, was a vital link in the German supply chain. This made it a high-priority target for the Allied forces, as severing this connection would significantly hinder the movement of German troops and supplies in the region. The mission was part of the larger Allied strategy to dismantle the infrastructure supporting German forces in Italy during the closing days of World War II.

After action report from mission of 20 April 1945 

The attack on the Cento Road Bridge was the second bombing attempt by the squadron. This time, the B-25 bombers encountered little resistance due to the absence of enemy fighters in the area. The mission faced only heavy but largely inaccurate flak, which resulted in minor damage to two of the aircraft. Despite the challenging anti-aircraft fire, the bombers delivered precise strikes, with multiple direct hits across the trestle. The careful planning and execution of the bombing runs, which targeted both the northwest and southeast approaches, ensured the destruction of the bridge, disrupting German transport routes.

Reconnaissance photograph from Spitfire PR.XI of bridge area. Note that a section of bridge spanning the river is missing

All six B-25s successfully returned to base after the mission, with their crews unharmed. The destruction of the Cento Road Bridge marked a significant blow to the German war effort in Italy, as it further isolated their remaining forces and cut off crucial supply lines. This artwork captures the moment of triumph in the skies over Northern Italy, celebrating the precision and bravery of the 12th Army Air Force in their final push against the Axis powers in Europe.

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Commissioned by Museums, Treasured by Collectors