WWII - Col. Walter Stewart Autographed Photo Framed - Lead Bomber Operation Tidal Wave

Ploesti, Romania was the prime oil-producing city in Nazi controlled Romania and as such was critical to the German war machine. The Allies had in fact bombed Ploesti in June of 1942 but this raid was relatively ineffective so renewed planning began in January of 1943 for a substantial raid on the Ploesti oil refineries. The Germans also realized Ploesti's value and set out to defend it accordingly with almost 120 88mm guns, 150 rapid fire 20mm and 37 mm cannons, wing-severing and target obstructing barrage balloons, in addition to three Luftwaffe fighter squadrons as well as Romanian fighter aircraft. Led by Col Walter Stewart's Bomb Group, 54 out of the 178 bombers that participated in the raid were lost and another 58 were damaged. The Allied losses were so high in the operation that it would be nicknamed "Black Sunday". Photo of the historic low level bomb raid has been hand signed by Col. Stewart who would receive the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions over Ploesti.

9x11x1", Autographed with Certificate of Authenticity