STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK

"Return of the Wolf Gang" by Artist Craig Tinder

This signed and numbered limited-edition relic artwork is offered in Gallery-Wrapped Canvas presentation. The 18×12 edition is limited to 30 total pieces, and the 30×20 edition is limited to 20 total pieces. Each artwork includes an authentic historical relic and Certificate of Authenticity and is hand-signed by artist Craig Tinder.

The Story Behind the Print:

19 February 1945 - During the U.S. Marine assault on the island of Iwo Jima, the skies above were filled with protective air cover provided by units like Torpedo Squadron VT-84, known as the "Wolf Gang." Flying TBM-3 Avenger torpedo bombers from the USS Bunker Hill (CV-17), VT-84 played a crucial role in supporting the amphibious landing by strafing enemy positions and delivering close air support to the Marines below. However, the cost of these missions was high. Low on fuel and having sustained damage from both flak and small arms fire, the Avengers began returning to the Bunker Hill, many barely making it back aboard.

VT-84’s actions on this day were part of the larger U.S. strategy to secure Iwo Jima, a critical stepping stone for the eventual invasion of mainland Japan. The battle was fierce, as Japanese forces heavily defended the island with entrenched positions and artillery, making air support essential for the success of the landing operations. The Avengers from VT-84, despite the risks and damage sustained, provided vital air cover and ensured that the Marines could secure the beachhead.

Later in the war, Torpedo Squadron VT-84 would further distinguish itself during the final stages of the Pacific campaign. The squadron played a key role in the sinking of the Japanese super battleship Yamato on 7 April 1945 during Operation Ten-Go. VT-84 was credited with delivering nine direct torpedo hits that helped cripple and sink the massive warship, the pride of the Imperial Japanese Navy, marking a decisive moment in the battle for control of the Pacific. This accomplishment cemented VT-84's reputation as one of the most effective torpedo squadrons in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Visit the Journal to read the full story!

Commissioned by Museums, Treasured by Collectors

This art piece is an officially licensed product of the U.S. Department of the Navy and is handmade by artist, Craig Tinder.

Available to ship worldwide!

ABOUT THE RELIC

This relic fragment originated from the lower cowl panel for the oil cooler intake of a TBM Avenger from one of the 7,500 aircraft built by General Motors. This aluminum cowl panel, which measures 27" x 37", was acquired from the DeLand Naval Air Station Museum during the static restoration of TBF Avenger (BuNo. 01741). Given the manufacturing differences between the TBF and TBM-built Avengers, this panel was unable to be used in the restoration of Avenger 01741.Aluminum cowl panel from TBM Avenger used as relic in "Return of the Wolfgang" limited edition prints

Artist, Craig Tinder, display the size of the TBM cowl panel

Size of lower cowl panel compared to 30"x20" framed canvas

MATERIAL & DISPLAY

HERITAGE ALLOY™

Heritage Alloy™ is the next generation of Aces In Action Relic Artwork. Made from a rigid aluminum composite material, its smooth surface delivers exceptional color, contrast, and fine detail with a luminous quality that is difficult to fully capture in photographs.

Each Heritage Alloy™ edition incorporates our exclusive Artifact Dock™, integrating the authentic historical relic, its provenance, and limited-edition identification directly into the artwork. Available Ready to Hang or finished in a solid black wood frame.

GALLERY-WRAPPED CANVAS

Select Relic Artwork editions remain available on our traditional gallery-wrapped canvas while inventory lasts. Canvas provides a classic, textured fine-art presentation and is available Ready to Hang or finished in our traditional black floater frame.

AVAILABLE SIZES & FORMATS

  • 18" × 12" (45.7 × 30.5 cm) — Heritage Alloy™ or Gallery-Wrapped Canvas; Ready to Hang or Framed
  • 30" × 20" (76.2 × 50.8 cm) — Heritage Alloy™ or Gallery-Wrapped Canvas; Framed
  • Custom sizes may be available upon request

READY TO HANG

Every Relic Artwork edition arrives ready for display. 18" × 12" Heritage Alloy™ Ready-to-Hang editions include an installed rear wall-mount bracket, while Gallery-Wrapped Canvas arrives ready to hang without an external frame. Framed editions include installed hanging hardware. No additional framing or mounting is required before display.

RELIC MATERIAL & VARIATION

Unless otherwise stated, the relic included with your artwork is a fragment taken from the larger historical component shown in the reference photos. The size, shape, color, markings, and appearance of each relic may vary based on the original material available. Reference photos are provided to document and illustrate the source of the relic material and may not depict the exact fragment included with your artwork.

ABOUT CRAIG TINDER

ARTIST • HISTORIAN • RELIC CURATOR

Craig Tinder has spent more than two decades creating historically researched artwork that connects collectors with the people, machines, and events that shaped history. His work goes far beyond illustrating an aircraft, ship, or vehicle—the research and historical artifacts behind each piece are an integral part of the artwork.

Craig works with museums, aircraft and vehicle restoration organizations, veterans, historians, collectors, and other historical institutions around the world to locate and document authentic artifacts with meaningful connections to the subjects he depicts. He supplements this physical evidence with extensive research using museum collections, military records, historical photographs, archives, and other primary and secondary sources from around the world.

In his workshop, Craig carefully prepares and incorporates these genuine historical relics into his signed and numbered artwork, preserving their provenance while giving artifacts that might otherwise remain unseen a new way to tell their story.

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.

ACES IN ACTION JOURNAL

Explore Further

Discover the people, missions, machines and events behind this artwork with the complete story in the Aces In Action Journal.

Return of the Wolf Gang: TBM Avengers Over the Pacific

Read the Full Story

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.