' The Medal of Honor Collection ' - Keith Hill
On February 20, 1944, a 20mm shell exploded in the
cockpit of B-17 "Ten Horsepower", killing the co-pilot
and rendering the pilot unconcious. Sergeant
Archibald Mathies managed to fly the aircraft back to
England and locate his base, surviving various
attacks by enemy fighters along the way. Initially
ordered to bail out, Sergeant Mathies and the
navigator refused to abandon the helpless pilot.
Sergeant Mathies was then given permission to land,
but after two failed attempts at his airfield, he crashed
while attempting a landing in a field near Denton,
England. Sergeant Mathies and the navigator died in
the crash; the pilot died later of his injuries.
' Down At Denton Hill ' - Keith Hill
' A Night To Remember ' - Keith Hill
From a painting commissioned by 'The Mathies NCO Academy', RAF Upwood, England.
' A Signal Of Hope ' - Keith Hill
From a painting commissioned by 'The Mathies NCO Academy', RAF Upwood, England.
' Just In Time ' - Keith Hill
From a painting commissioned by 'The Mathies NCO Academy', RAF Upwood, England.
' Homeward Bound From St. Nazaire ' - Keith Hill
From a painting commissioned by 'The Mathies NCO Academy', RAF Upwood, England.
' That Others May Live ' - Keith Hill
From a painting commissioned by 'The Elmenorf PME Center', Elmendorf AFB, Alaska.
The Medal of Honor collection are available only as a complete set of 6 prints.

Originally 5 prints were commissioned by US Air Force, today the prints hang in the Enlisted Heritage Hall, of
Gunther AF Base, Alabama.
In 2007, Keith was commissioned to paint the 6th of the series, the 7th of the series is coming soon.

Prints are available as a set of 14" x 10" prints, with each individual tale of bravery printed in the print border

Price:  £45.00 per set. (+ £5 for UK delivery)                               
                      
                        (+ £10 for delivery overseas)
From a painting commissioned by 'The Mathies NCO Academy', RAF Upwood, England.
On February 24, 1967, an enemy mortar round
detonated on the wing of AC-47 "Spooky 71". The
explosion wounded all occupants of the cargo
compartment and tore an activated illumination flare
from the grasp of one crewmember. Sergeant John L.
Levitow spotted the smouldering flare rolling around
19,000 rounds of ammunition. He immediately
recognised the danger and although suffering from
over 40 shrapnel wounds managed to reach and
throw himself on the burning device. The aircraft was
out of control in a 30 degree right hand bank, but
Sergeant Levitow managed to drag himself to the
cargo door and heave the device through it.
At that instant it detonated.
On December 20, 1943, Forrest L. "Woody" Vosler's
B-17, "Jersey Bounce Jr.", was driven out of
formation by anti-aircraft fire and immediately
set-upon by enemy fighters. Although wounded
early in the attack, Sergeant Vosler kept up a
stream of defensive fire protecting the tail if the
aircraft. Shortly thereafter a 20mm shell exploded,
blinding him, and rendering the radio inoperative.
Informed they were going to ditch, he worked
entirely by touch to repair the radio and send a
distress signal. When the aircraft did ditch, he
managed to rescue a helpless crew member and
keep him from slipping off the wing until other crew
members could get him in the dinghy.
On April 12, 1945, a faulty phosphorus flare
exploded in the cabin of B-29 "City of Los Angeles",
setting Henry E. "Red" Erwin ablaze. The smoke
completely obscured the pilot's vision, who then put
the aircraft into a dive to prevent stalling. Without
regard for personal safety, Sergeant Erwin picked
up the flare and headed for the co-pilot's window.
Along the way he had to work his way around the
top gun turret and navigator's table. Now completely
engulfed in flame, he groped toward the opening
and threw the flare out. The smoke cleared and at
300 feet, the pilot was able to pull the aircraft out of
its dive.
On May 1, 1943, Maynard H. "Snuffy" Smith's B-17
was hit by anti-aircraft fire and set ablaze. The
situation became so acute that 3 of the remaining
crew bailed out. The aircraft was then attacked by a
squadron of fighters. Sergeant Smith elected to
remain at his post, administer first aid to the
wounded tail gunner, man both waist guns until he
drove the fighters off, then battle the intense
flames. His loyalty to his aircraft and fellow
crewmembers enabled the plane to safely return to
England.
On April 11, 1966, William Pitsenbarger was aboard a
rescue helicopter bound to evacuate casualties. After
being lowered, he co-ordinated rescue efforts, cared
for the wounded and prepared casualties for
evacuation. When the enemy launched an assault,
the evacuation was called off and Airman
Pitsenbarger took up arms with the besieged
infantrymen. As the battle raged on, he repeatedly
exposed himself to enemy fire to care for the wounded
and return fire whenever he could. Despite his
wounds, he valiantly fought on, simultaneously
treating as many wounded as possible. Eventually,
Airman Pitsenbarger was fatally wounded. His bravery
and determination exemplify the highest professional
standards and traditions of military service.
All images on this website Copyright©2009 Keith Hill.
No use without the owners permission.
© KEITH HILL
© KEITH HILL
© KEITH HILL
© KEITH HILL
© KEITH HILL
© KEITH HILL
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