Description: This auction is for the following autographed 4x6 photograph: BIO: Ralph Burbridge WWII 414th Bomb Squadron, bombardier aboard the B-17 named “All American”. On February 1, 1943, a mid-air collision between the B-17 “All American” and a German fighter over the Tunis dock area, became the subject of one of the most famous photographs of World War II. The German fighter who’s pilot was probably wounded crashed into the rear fuselage of the B-17 “All American” badly crippling the B-17. The left horizontal stabilizer of the Fortress and left elevator were completely torn away. The two right engines were out and one on the left had a serious oil pump leak. The vertical fin and the rudder had been damaged, the fuselage had been cut almost completely through connected only at two small parts of the frame and the radios, electrical and oxygen systems were damaged. There was also a hole in the top that was over 16 feet long and 4 feet wide at its widest and the split in the fuselage went all the way to the top gunners turret. One single elevator cable still worked, and the aircraft still flew – miraculously. They turn back toward England had to be very slow to keep the tail from twisting off. They actually covered almost 70 miles to make the turn home. The bomber was so badly damaged that it was losing altitude and speed and was soon alone in the sky. Allied P-51 fighters intercepted the All American as it crossed over the Channel and took one of the pictures shown. Two and a half hours after being hit, the “All American” made its final turn to line up with the runway while it was still over 40 miles away. It descended into an emergency landing and a normal roll-out on its landing gear returning safely back at the base. THIS IS AN AUTHENTIC HAND AUTOGRAPHED 4x6 PHOTOGRAPH. I ONLY SELL AUTHENTIC HAND AUTOGRAPHED MEMORABILIA. PLEASE NOTE this 4x6 photograph was printed in the early 2000’s and then personally hand autographed. I do not sell reprints or facsimile autographs. When you bid on my items you will receive the real deal authentic hand autographed items. You will receive the same signed photograph that is pictured in the scan. If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me. I currently have other rare autographed military and historical signed items available. Please take a look at my other auctions of rare military and historical autographed items.
Price: 37.49 USD
Location: Historical Treasures
End Time: 2025-01-22T17:59:07.000Z
Shipping Cost: 3.5 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Industry: Military
Signed by: WWII FIGHTER PILOT SIGNED PHOTO
Signed: Yes
Original/Reproduction: Original
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
