The Guardian Returns - Victory Edition

The aviation art print 'The Guardian Returns' by Nicolas Trudgian depicts Franz Stigler in his Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-6 returning from escorting the wounded crew members of a severely damaged B-17 Flying Fortress until they were flying over open waters. Brown's damaged bomber had been spotted by Germans on the ground, and Franz Stigler, who was refueling and rearming at an airfield, soon took off in his Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-6 and quickly caught up with Brown's plane. Through the damaged bomber's airframe Stigler was able to see the injured and incapacitated crew. To the American pilot's surprise, Stigler did not open fire on the crippled bomber. He recalled the words of one of his commanding officers from Jagdgeschwader 27, Gustav Rödel, during his time fighting in North Africa: “If I ever see or hear of you shooting at a man in a parachute, I will shoot you myself." Stigler later commented, "To me, it was just like they were in a parachute. I saw them and I couldn't shoot them down."

Now, it’s Franz’s life that is in danger. A quaint German village lies below, warm and inviting, just four days before Christmas. But this is wartime. If anyone reports Franz for sparing the enemy, he will face a firing squad as a traitor. No one can catch a glimpse of his markings. If Franz is to survive, he must fly, and fly fast!

Limited Edition