STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK

"Final Defense of 357" by Artist Craig Tinder

Now available in two exclusive formats: a 30"x20" Hardwood Framed Canvas Edition - Limited to Only 20 and an 18"x12" Canvas (Framed or Unframed) - Limited to Only 30. Each art piece includes an AUTHENTIC RELIC, Certificate of Authenticity, and is hand-signed by the Artist. Quantities are extremely limited—Once They're Sold Out, They're Gone!

This Fine Art Print by Artist Craig Tinder depicts the Captain Teruhiko Kobayashi of the 244th Sentai in his desparate ramming attack against U.S. B-29 Superfortress bombers.

The Story Behind the Print:

On 27 January 1945, Captain Teruhiko Kobayashi of the 244th Sentai, a renowned Japanese fighter unit, prepared for a daring mission against the relentless B-29 Superfortresses of the U.S. Army Air Forces. The target that day was the 497th Bombardment Group, part of the 73rd Bomb Wing, which had been trying repeatedly to destroy Target 357, a vital aircraft engine factory in Japan. Despite numerous attempts, the group had little success in significantly damaging the facility.

Captain Kobayashi, flying a Ki-61 Hein (code-named "Tony" by the Allies), took to the skies with his wingman in an attempt to intercept the American bombers. During this mission, Kobayashi targeted one of the massive B-29s, "Irish Lassie" (serial number 42-65246). In a dramatic move, Kobayashi made a kamikaze dive and crashed his Ki-61 into the B-29’s wing, causing severe damage to the bomber. The impact knocked Kobayashi unconscious, but he later regained consciousness mid-air and managed to parachute to safety. The event would be celebrated in Japan as a successful kamikaze strike.

Although the Japanese claimed Kobayashi's attack as a confirmed kill, the story of Irish Lassie didn’t end there. Despite sustaining heavy damage, the bomber remained airborne, and its crew managed to return to base. Upon landing, Irish Lassie broke in two, but the crew survived the harrowing journey, a testament to both the durability of the B-29 and the resilience of her crew.

Visit the Journal to read the full story!

Commissioned by Museums, Treasured by Collectors

This item is handmade by artist, Craig Tinder. Available to ship worldwide!

ABOUT THE RELIC

This specific Kawasaki Ha40 Engine Canister was retreived in 1989 from Ki-61 "Tony" (No. 704) at Babo Island Airstrip, Irian Jaya, New Guinea. Babo Airstrip was used by the Royal Australian Air Force until they evacuated in January, 1942. Used extensively by both the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force and Imperial Japanese Navy, Babo became a major expansion base in the Pacific theater. By 1943, Babo became an Allied target and was attacked nearly 65 times until all Japanese forces on the island were neutralized. Many Japanese aircraft were strafed on the ground or crashed in the nearby jungle.

This original engine filter may have been strafed or taken fire from the ground as it includes a single bullet hole through the center and the device retains most of it's original black paint with no signs of ensuing fire damage. This item has never been in collector's circulation and is an extremely rare artifact from the South Pacific conflict. Tony '704' was recovered in 1991 and is currently awaing restoration. 
Engine Canister used as relic included in "Final Defense of 357" limited edition prints

Excavated remains of Kawasaki Ki-61-IB Hein "Tony" No. 704

"Final Defense of 357" Canvas art with included Ki-61 "Tony" relic

MATERIAL & DISPLAY

PREMIUM ALUMINUM

Our newest presentation format delivers exceptional color, contrast, and fine detail on a smooth gloss surface. The result has a luminous quality and clarity that is difficult to fully capture in photographs. Framed aluminum editions are finished in a solid black frame for a clean, contemporary presentation.

TRADITIONAL CANVAS

The original Aces In Action presentation features gallery-wrapped canvas, with framed editions presented in our traditional black floater frame. Canvas offers a classic, textured fine-art presentation and remains available on select Relic Artwork editions while inventory lasts.

AVAILABLE SIZES & FORMATS

  • 18" × 12" (45.7 × 30.5 cm) — Premium Aluminum or Canvas; available framed or unframed
  • 30" × 20" (76.2 × 50.8 cm) — Premium Aluminum or Canvas; framed
  • 36" × 12" (91.4 × 30.5 cm) — Panoramic Premium Aluminum or Canvas; framed on select artwork

READY TO HANG

Every Relic Artwork edition arrives ready to hang. Unframed 18" × 12" editions include a rear wall-mount bracket, while framed editions arrive with hanging hardware installed. No additional framing or mounting is required before display.

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 Relic Artwork edition is individually handcrafted and completed by Craig Tinder. From engraving and assembling the Artifact Dock to preparing the relic, framing the artwork when selected, and completing the final inspection and packaging, every piece is finished specifically for its collector. Please allow additional time for this hands-on process before your artwork ships.

Gift wrapping is available for Relic Artwork, making it ready for presentation upon arrival.

DISPLAY & CARE

All Relic Artwork arrives ready to display. Unframed 18" × 12" editions include a rear wall-mount bracket, while framed editions arrive with hanging hardware installed.

Premium Relic Artwork editions are designed for long-term display. Keep artwork away from prolonged direct sunlight, excessive moisture, and extreme temperature changes. Dust gently with a clean, soft, dry cloth and avoid household cleaners or abrasive materials on the artwork, frame, relic, or Artifact Dock.

THE RELIC ARTWORK EXPERIENCE

Authentic History

Each edition incorporates an authentic historical relic, presented on a custom laser-engraved Artifact Dock with details connecting the artifact to its history.

Handmade by Craig Tinder

Every Relic Artwork edition is assembled in Craig's studio, where it is signed, numbered, crafted, inspected, and prepared for its collector.

Made for Collectors

From the Certificate of Authenticity to the finished presentation, each detail is designed to create a collectible that preserves a tangible connection to history.