| From Germany’s attack on Poland in 1939 to
the decisive blow against Hiroshima in 1945, the airplane played a pivotal
role in World War II. It was an era when the hopes and dreams of Americans
soared on the wings of an aerial armada unequaled in history.
In 1957, former World War II Army Air Corps
flight instructor Lloyd Nolen and four friends purchased a P-51 Mustang.
The $2500 fighter – known as “Red Nose” – marked the start of solemn
commitment to honor and celebrate those who defended the skies in World
War II. And the instant that Mustang took flight, the Commemorative Air
Force was born.
The CAF acquires, maintains and operates
World War II vintage aircraft for the education and entertainment of
present and future generations across the United States. They operate
about 150 WWII aircraft that travel the nation and remind us of the
lessons paid for by the men and women who built, maintained and flew these
defenders of freedom.
America Remembers is proud to honor these
champions of American heritage with the “Legends of the Sky” Tribute
Pistol. Craftsmen commissioned specifically for this project by America
Remembers decorate each working Colt .45 pistol in sparkling 24-karat gold
and gleaming nickel with a special blackened patinaed background,
magnificently capturing the details of the handsome artwork for this
historic tribute.
Each Tribute is a working Colt .45, like
those carried by fighters and bombers from the era. Because they faced the
constant danger of being shot down while behind enemy lines, they needed a
rugged, reliable weapon that could fit into their flight gear.
Honor the World War II
“Legends of the Sky”
The “Legends of the Sky” Tribute Pistol is
issued in an exclusive limited edition of only 300 pistols. This
American-made Colt firearm honors the brave “Soldiers of the Sky,” and as
the first-ever issue with the Commemorative Air Force, demand is expected
to be high. Reservations for the Tribute will be accepted in the order
they are received.
Through crack aerial combat and strategic
bombing, American pilots smashed the Axis war machine and downed thousands
of enemy planes. Those bold and brave men who flew America to victory in
WWII, and their sacrifices, must not be forgotten.
Right side features the Texas Raider B-17
“Flying Fortress.” General Carl “Tooey” Spaatz told AAF chief General
“Hap” Arnold that “the B-17 was the single weapon most responsible for the
defeat of Germany.” Note the intricate feather detail in the winged logo
of the CAF. The scroll above the shield reads “Ghost Squadron,” the
nickname for CAF’s fleet of restored aircraft. To the right of the logo is
the Lockheed P-38 Lightning. On April 18, 1943, P-38 Lightnings were
trusted with one of the most famous fighter missions of the war: the
attack on Admiral Yamamoto. Pictured flying beside the P-38 is the
legendary P-51 Mustang. The P-51 Mustang provided long-range bomber escort
and by war’s end, P-51’s had destroyed well over 4,000 enemy aircraft –
more than any other fighter in Europe. Near the muzzle end, is an image of
the world’s only flying example of the Curtiss-Wright SB2C Helldiver, the
last true Dive Bomber produced for the U.S. Navy. Although over 7,000
Helldivers were produced during the war, today only one survives in flying
condition…and it’s maintained and flown by the Commemorative Air Force.
Left side of slide features the
distinctive, inverted gull wing F4U Corsair. Enemy soldiers called the
Corsair “The Whistling Death.” Like the Mustang, the Corsair’s speed,
firepower and maneuverability cause many to rate it with the Mustang as
one of the top fighter planes of the war. In the center, you’ll see the
crown jewel of the CAF: the Boeing B-29 Superfortress. Nicknamed “Fifi,”
it is the only airworthy B-29 in the world and played a central role in
the Allied victory. Also featured is a reproduction of the nose art
proudly featured on the CAF’s “Texas Raider” B-17: a Texas cowgirl sits
atop a bomb, clutching a smoking revolver. Pilots and crews personalized
their war birds with a variety of designs. Some used slogans, cartoons,
nicknames, a glamorous pin-up, or a favorite girl from back home.
Your “Legends of the Sky” Tribute .45
Pistol will arrive in a luxuriously lined custom
display case with a brass plaque. If for any reason you are less
than satisfied with your Tribute, you may return it in original unfired
condition within thirty days for a full and courteous refund. |
