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05 - WWII - Eastern Front
Ivan N. Kozhedub by Jerry Crandall
This is the first time in history any artist has ever created a print and secured a signature of this highest scoring Soviet/Allied ace, Air Marshal Ivan N. Kozhedub. The general flew 520 missions and scored 62 victories. He was awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union medal three times. This print depicts the time he downed a Me262 north of Frankfurt, Germany on February 19th, 1945.
The Painting: Born in 1920 in the Ukraine, Ivan Kozhedub became the leading Soviet and Allied Ace of WWII. His first combat mission was on 26 March 1943, flying a LaG-5. Early May 1944, he flew the La-5N and July 1944, he was assigned his famous 'white 27', La-7.
In this aircraft Kozhedub scored a victory against a Me 262 on 19 February 1945, the scene beautifully captured by historical artist Jerry Crandall. Kozhedub was awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union medal twice during the war with the third on 18 August 1945.
Almost 8,000 of these excellent low-altitude fighters, the Lavochkin La-7, were built during WWII. The fuselage, wings and tail section were covered with a molded plywood, the front fuselage was metal and the control surfaces were metal frame work covered with fabric. The twin row 14 cylinder Shvetson M-82FV radial engine produced 1850 h.p. at take-off. Two 20mm cannon give the La-7 its firepower. Its top speed is reported to be about 375 m.p.h. at sea level.
In addition to the artist's signature, each print is co-autographed by the leading Allied and Soviet Ace of WWII, Air Marshall Ivan N. Kozhedub.
Print size: 29"w X 23"h
Limited edition of: 950 signed and numbered
