Memphis Belle II
Thunder and Lightning 
 
This Republic F-105D Thunderchief was assigned to the 357th TFS, 355th TFW at Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base from 1966to 1970. The "Thud" was flown by USAF Maj. Buddy Jones, who was credited with downing two MiG-17s. The Memphis Belle II was named after the WWII B-17 Memphis Belle, the first Eighth Air Force bomber to complete 21 missions and carried the same pin-up art on the lower left forward fuselage. The painting shows the Belle taxiing out of its revetment to takeoff ahead of an early morning thunderstorm. The term "Thud" has a mixed history, some saying it was the sound of the plane hitting the ground, while others claim it was the sound of its massive ordinance load striking the target. The aircraft is now on display at the National Museum of the Air Force in Dayton Ohio.
 
Original painting available 
 
Acrylic on canvas 24"x30"
 
Signed open edition giclee prints are available for $150 plus $15 shipping.
 
Image size 16"x20" on 18"x24" paper