This painting is inspired by a veteran I met at WW2 Weekend in Reading PA. Paul Lilienthal was a tail gunner on the B-17 “Just Once More”. Part of the 8th Air Force, 3rd Air Division, 94th Bombardment Group, 333rd Bomb Squadron, he flew 24 combat missions over Europe and was awarded numerous decorations, including the Air Medal. After the war ended, he saw additional service in occupied Germany and flew in cargo aircraft operating throughout Europe and Africa. He finally returned to the USA and was discharged as a Technical Sergeant in 1946.
Bury St. Edmunds Cathedral stands firmly in the background as the morning sun chases “Just Once More” on an early flight. Forget-me-nots spring from the ground reminding the viewer to consider these brave men and their sacrifices just once more.
This painting is inspired by a veteran I met at WW2 Weekend in Reading PA. Paul Lilienthal was a tail gunner on the B-17 “Just Once More”. Part of the 8th Air Force, 3rd Air Division, 94th Bombardment Group, 333rd Bomb Squadron, he flew 24 combat missions over Europe and was awarded numerous decorations, including the Air Medal. After the war ended, he saw additional service in occupied Germany and flew in cargo aircraft operating throughout Europe and Africa. He finally returned to the USA and was discharged as a Technical Sergeant in 1946.
Bury St. Edmunds Cathedral stands firmly in the background as the morning sun chases “Just Once More” on an early flight. Forget-me-nots spring from the ground reminding the viewer to consider these brave men and their sacrifices just once more.