Early in World War 2, the only way the Allies could take the fight directly to the German homeland was through strategic bombing. Stationed throughout bases in England, British and American bombers launched raids around the clock with the British bombing at night and the American 8th Air Force carrying out raids during the day. Along with the B-24 Liberator, the B-17 Flying Fortress was a mainstay of the 8th Air Force. The B-17 had a reputation for ruggedness - able to absorb tremendous battle damage and bring her ten man crew safely home. Nevertheless, German defense was determined and many bombers and crews were lost in high altitude battles over Germany. Our print is a tribute to the "Bomberboys" and the "Queen of the Skies", the B-17 depicting a B-17 Flying Fortress returning home with battle damage after a harrowing mission over Germany. Fortunately she has picked up an escort of P-47 Thunderbolts to bring her home.