Archie Donahue Signed 'Angels of Okinawa' 11x16 Lithograph (AIV)

""" Calling all aviation enthusiasts and collectors!







Embark on a journey through the skies of World War II with this extraordinary find: a hand-signed 11 1/2 X 16 lithograph titled """"Angels of Okinawa"""" by acclaimed artist Stan Stokes. Authenticated by AI-Verified authentication services, this stunning lithograph pays homage to the brave pilots of the Pacific theater, including the legendary Archie Donahue.







In """"Angels of Okinawa,"""" Stan Stokes captures the intensity and heroism of aerial combat over the skies of Okinawa, one of the most pivotal battles of the Pacific campaign. As the Allied forces fought to secure victory against the Japanese Empire, pilots like Archie Donahue soared into battle, displaying unparalleled courage and skill.







The hand-signed signature of Archie Donahue himself adds an extra layer of authenticity and prestige to this lithograph, making it a prized addition to any aviation collection.







With AI-Verified authentication services, you can bid with confidence, knowing that the signature on this lithograph has been verified using cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology. This ensures that you are acquiring a genuine piece of aviation history, signed by Archie Donahue himself.







Don't miss your chance to own this rare piece of aviation art. Bid now and make this hand-signed Stan Stokes lithograph of """"Angels of Okinawa,"""" authenticated by AI-Verified authentication services, the centerpiece of your collection. Seize this opportunity to honor the legacy of a true American hero and celebrate the bravery of the pilots who fought in the Pacific theater. Place your bid today and let this extraordinary piece of aviation history take pride of place in your collection! ""



Archie Donahue was born in Casper, Wyoming in 1917. He attended schools in Wyoming until 1934 when his family moved to Texas. He had his first airplane ride at the age of eight and the flying bug bit him. Archie completed three years of engineering studies at the University of Texas before joining the Navy as an Aviation Cadet. During his training Archie was stationed at Kansas City, Jacksonville, and finally Corpus Christi. He requested a transfer to the Marine Corps, and upon his graduation he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in February of 1942. After a short posting to Norfolk, Archie was assigned to VMF-112, which was nicknamed the 'Wolfpack.' The squadron was sent to Guadacanal in September where they commenced combat missions flying the Grumman F4F Wildcat. Archie would soon transition to the state-of-the-art F4U-1 Corsair. Between September 1942 and June of 1943 Archie was credited with nine aerial victories. One of these was achieved in the Wildcat with the balance attained while piloting the Corsair. On May 13, 1943 Archic would down five A6M3 Zeros during a single mission. In June of 1943 VMF-112 returned to the States, and the squadron was disbanded. Serving as a flight officer at El Toro Air Station in California, Archie was given the assignment of carrier qualifying VMF-451. In February of 1945 VMF-451 began combat operations flying from the deck of the USS Bunker Hill. For the next three months Donahue and his squdroninates flew numerous missions in support of the landings at lwo Jima and Okinawa, as well as strikes at the Japanese mainland, and in the process earning the nickname 'Angels of Okinawa.' On April 12, 1945 Donahue was once again credited with five victories during a fierce aerial battle over Okinawa. On May 11 th Archie's flight of 16 Corsairs had just returned to the carrier, and as the pilots completed their debriefing the Bunker Hill was hit by two Kamikaze aircraft, setting off a huge fire and killing 346. The Bunker Hill had to be withdrawn from action. Donahue returned to the States where he was made Commander of a squadron at El Toro. He was later transferred to Quantico, a large Marine base near Washington, DC. Archie flew a total of 215 combat missions during WWII including 56 from the deck of the Bunker Hill. He was credited with a total of 14 confirmed aerial victories. He had more than 4000 flying hours in military aircraft and 110 successful carrier landings. Although he never crashed an airplane, Archie was reported killed during aerial gunnery training when a student made a beautiful run and cut the tail off Archie's plane about five feet behind his head. Archie is a recipient of the Navy Cross, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, and five Air Medals. Archie has also been an active participant in the Confederate Air Force, and in 1990 he piloted an SBD with an unusual pilot, Saburo Sakai, the high scoring Japanese ace who was shot down in WWII by the rear gunner of a SBD. Following his retirement from military service in 1958 Archie began a long and successful career in real estate development. Sadly, he passed away on 30th July 2007."

The lot / autograph(s) includes an official Authentication Integrity Verified (AIV) hologram and matching COA for authenticity purposes.

Authentication: AIV COA

Due to the uniqueness of each item, please refer to the photos provided in this auction. We offer high resolution images of each item rather than a written description of condition.

This item is being shipped from the Pristine Auction warehouse.