Rocket Hunters

This aviation art print by Heinz Krebs depicts a V2 Rocket and P-51D Mustang. The origin of all future space rockets was the “Aggregat 4” (A4), better known under its Nazi name of “Vergeltungswaffe 2” (V2), which literally translated into Vengeance Weapon 2. The A4 or V2 was invented by the famous Wernher von Braun, and other German rocket scientists, many of whom would later become key figures in the various U.S. space programs including the Apollo moon landings. The V2s were fired from launch sites in the field which were extremely well camouflaged, difficult to detect, heavily defended and hazardous to attack. The U.S. strategy to counter this threat included a highly classified and very effective unit called the “Fighting Scouts”. Its pilots were often highly experienced heavy bomber pilots who volunteered for this hazardous assignment. They had to be capable of flying alone in any weather conditions to scout ahead of the bomber formations. A typical mission would be to find and report the V2s. Heinz Krebs' aviation art print captures such a moment, when a pair of Mustangs with P-51 D “Chip” flown by Merrill “Dewey” DuMont in the foreground detects a German V-2 rocket launch site near the English Channel in the spring of 1945. The dramatic moment when the two aircraft pass low over the launch pad with a V2 rocket just lifting off is truly in the best Heinz Krebs tradition.

 

Printed on heavy stock acid-free paper, issued with a certificate of authenticity.

• 950 numbered, signed by Heinz Krebs and Merrill “Dewey” DuMont