1st Lt John A Johns - 11x14" Print

Artwork by Don Henderson.

Vector illustration of WWII artist/warrior, U.S. Army Corps pilot, 1st Lt John A. Johns. 

To those of us who know him, he is a legendary artist and illustrator. When I was a student at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, he was the President of the school. We all knew John Johns was a famous artist, but what we didn't know was that as a young man, not much older than us at the time, he was a combat pilot with the 22nd Bomb Squadron of the 341st Bombardment Group of the 14th Air Force, the world famous "Flying Tigers". Johns flew B-25 Mitchell Medium Bombers over some of the most dangerous air space on the planet, the "CBI" (China, Burma, India Theater of Operations). Known as "Flying the Hump" these brave air crews flew out of crude airstrips in India, up over the Himalayas and on into China. As if that wasn't enough, after all that, they had to bomb the Japanese and then fly back over the same perilous route. The CBI is littered with the wreckage and remains of the unfortunate aircrews who for one reason or another didn't make it back.

This illustration is dedicated to 1st Lt. John A. Johns, Pilot, Artist and American Hero. My illustration shows John Johns seated on a 500 General Purpose bomb in front of the B-25 "Sheridan Express". Johns painted the nose art in honor of actress Ann Sheridan who was visiting the CBI with her USO show.
A special thanks to Dave Hayward of the 22nd Bomb Squadron Association, for all the reference and info on John Johns and the B-25 Sheridan Express.

This illustration was on display at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh's 2004 Alumni Show. The original print was purchased by the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, its current location is unknown.

Printed from an Epson Expression XP-15000 printer using Claria Hi-Definition Ink on a 13x19" sheet of matte finish, ultra premium photo paper.

Mailed in flat, rigid envelopes to prevent damage or curling, and are ready to frame.

* Watermark will not appear on physical print.