P-61 Black Widow - Final Burst At First Light paper art print by Craig Tinder

HISTORICAL PAPER ART BY CRAIG TINDER

P-61 Black Widow - Final Burst At First Light Art Print

$29.99
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Archival-quality print · Craig Tinder artwork · Made in the USA
ABOUT THE ARTWORK

The Story Behind the Print:

In the early hours of December 30, 1944, Major Carroll “Snuffy” Smith piloted his P-61 Black Widow over the waters near Manila Bay on a night patrol mission. Having already downed three enemy aircraft, Smith and his radar operator, Lt. Philip Porter, detected one final radar contact as dawn began to break. With light from the rising sun revealing the target, Smith identified it as a Nakajima Ki-84 “Frank”—a fast, heavily armed Japanese fighter comparable to the American P-47.

Despite the Frank’s reputation as one of the most advanced aircraft in Japan’s arsenal, Smith maneuvered the P-61 into an unusually close firing position—just 75 feet from the enemy aircraft. With limited ammunition remaining and no cover under the morning sky, he fired a short burst from the Black Widow’s 20 mm cannons. The Frank was torn apart midair, breaking into pieces and falling into the sea before Smith could even pull away.

This print captures the intensity and precision of that final engagement—an extraordinary moment in World War II aviation history. It was Smith’s fourth victory in a single night, achieved with remarkable efficiency, and helped solidify his place as America’s top-scoring night fighter ace.

This paper print does not include an authentic historical relic.

PRINT DETAILS

ABOUT THE PRINT

Each In Action Print is professionally produced using archival-quality inks on premium fine-art paper selected for excellent detail, color reproduction, and longevity. The larger scene format preserves the atmosphere, historical details, and storytelling of Craig Tinder's original artwork.

AVAILABLE SIZES

  • 18" × 12" (45.7 × 30.5 cm)
  • 24" × 16" (61 × 40.6 cm)

FRAMING & PRODUCTION

Prints are sold unframed and are sized to fit widely available ready-made frames and mats, eliminating the need for custom framing in most cases. Each print is produced to order; please allow approximately 2–3 business days for production before shipment.

ABOUT CRAIG TINDER

Craig Tinder is an artist and historical researcher whose work brings significant moments in military and aviation history to life. For more than 20 years, he has combined detailed research with traditional and digital illustration techniques to create historically accurate artwork for collectors, veterans, museums, and historical organizations.

Craig has been commissioned to create artwork, installations, and memorial projects for museums, military organizations, and historical institutions throughout the United States. His work is held in museum and private collections around the world, reflecting a career built around historical accuracy, craftsmanship, and preserving the stories behind the subjects he depicts.

Every Aces In Action artwork is created by Craig Tinder, making Aces In Action the official home of his historical artwork and collectibles.

Meet Craig Tinder →

SHIPPING & CARE

SHIPPING

Each print is produced to order and carefully packaged for shipment. Please allow approximately 2–3 business days for production before your order ships. Delivery times vary by destination and shipping method.

International orders are welcome. Customers outside the United States are responsible for any applicable customs duties, taxes, or import fees.

CARE

For long-term display, keep your print away from prolonged direct sunlight, excessive moisture, and high humidity. When framing, archival-quality mats and framing materials are recommended to help protect the artwork over time.

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IN ACTION PRINT EXPERIENCE

Framed Display Example

Rich in historical detail and atmosphere, In Action Prints turn Craig Tinder's full-scene artwork into a striking framed display.

Created by Artist Craig Tinder

Each print begins with Craig Tinder's original historically researched artwork.

Print Size Reference

Compare available print sizes and see their approximate scale.