ABOUT THE ARTWORK

"In Support of Varsity" 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 Roscoe Brown the Tuskegee Airmen of the 332nd Fighter Group.

The Story Behind the Print:

24 March 1945 - During the massive Allied airborne operation known as Operation Varsity, 1Lt Roscoe Brown of the famed Tuskegee Airmen achieved a milestone victory, marking his first aerial kill of the war. Flying his P-51 Mustang as part of the 332nd Fighter Group, known for their distinctive "Red Tails," Brown encountered a formidable adversary: the Messerschmitt Me 262, the world's first operational jet fighter. This engagement was one of the first where the Tuskegee Airmen went head-to-head with the revolutionary Me 262s, piloted by experienced Luftwaffe aces, including Oberleutnant Franz Kulp of Jagdgeschwader 7 (JG 7), the first operational jet fighter unit in history.

As the escort group provided cover for 15th Air Force bombers, 53 P-51 Mustangs from the 332nd Fighter Group found themselves in the crosshairs of 25 Me 262 jets. The Me 262, with its unparalleled speed and firepower, posed a significant threat to the Allied bombers. Despite the technological advantage of the German jets, Brown and his fellow pilots displayed exceptional skill and courage in facing the enemy head-on. In the ensuing aerial dogfight, Brown successfully shot down one of the Me 262s, piloted by Franz Kulp, marking a rare achievement for a propeller-driven aircraft against a jet fighter.

The encounter was a testament to the Tuskegee Airmen's skill and determination. As part of their escort duties during World War II, the "Red Tails" were responsible for protecting bombers from enemy fighters, often ensuring the safe return of Allied crews. The 332nd Fighter Group distinguished itself with an impressive record: across 312 escort missions, they lost only 27 bombers, far below the average of 46 lost by other fighter units. This success earned the Tuskegee Airmen a reputation as some of the most reliable and effective fighter pilots in the war.

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!

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.