Order Enquiries (UK) : 01436 820269

You currently have no items in your basket


Buy with confidence and security!
Publishing historical art since 1985

Don't Miss Any Special Deals - Sign Up To Our Newsletter!
Product Search         

ALWAYS GREAT OFFERS :
20% FURTHER PRICE REDUCTIONS ON HUNDREDS OF LIMITED EDITION ART PRINTS
BUY ONE GET ONE HALF PRICE ON THOUSANDS OF PAINTINGS AND PRINTS
FOR MORE OFFERS SIGN UP TO OUR FREE NEWSLETTER
Shooting Star - Aircraft Profile - Lockheed : Shooting Star

Shooting Star

No Photo Available

Manufacturer : Lockheed
Number Built :
Production Began :
Retired :
Type :

(P-80), (RF-80), (T-33)

Shooting Star

Top Aces for : Shooting Star
A list of all Aces from our database who are known to have flown this aircraft. A profile page is available by clicking the pilots name.
NameVictoriesInfo
Richard I Bong40.00
David Lee Tex Hill18.25The signature of David Lee Tex Hill features on some of our artwork - click here to see what is available.
Clyde B East12.00The signature of Clyde B East features on some of our artwork - click here to see what is available.
James E Hill5.00The signature of James E Hill features on some of our artwork - click here to see what is available.
Rex T Barber5.00The signature of Rex T Barber features on some of our artwork - click here to see what is available.
Squadrons for : Shooting Star
A list of all squadrons from known to have used this aircraft. A profile page is available by clicking the squadron name.
SquadronInfo

412th Fighter Group


Country : US

Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 412th Fighter Group
412th Fighter Group

Full profile not yet available.
Signatures for : Shooting Star
A list of all signatures from our database who are associated with this aircraft. A profile page is available by clicking their name.
NameInfo


Colonel Rex Barber
Click the name or photo above to see prints signed by Colonel Rex Barber

26 / 7 / 2001Died : 26 / 7 / 2001
26 / 7 / 2001Ace : 5.00 Victories
Colonel Rex Barber

Rex Theodore Barber was born in Culver, Oregon on May 6, 1917. Barber was accepted at Oregon State University and graduated from that University in 1940. In September of that year Barber enlisted in the Army Air Corps, and served as a private first class, prior to being accepted for flight training in March of 1941. Following graduation with Class 41-H from Mather Field in California in October of 1941, now Lt. Rex Barber was assigned to the 70th Fighter Squadron of the 35th Fighter Group. He arrived in the Fiji Islands with his new unit in January of 1942. Barber's only victory in 1942 was on December 28, 1942 when he downed a twin-engine Japanese Nell. Early in 1943 the 70th Fighter Squadron was integrated into the 339th Fighter Group, and converted to the Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter. The P-38 was an ideal aircraft given the long distances involved in combat in the Pacific. In April Rex got credit for downing two Zekes near Cape Esperance. On April 18, 1943 Rex participated in one of the most interesting missions of the War, the interception and destruction of the Betty bomber carrying Admiral lsoruko Yamamoto, the Commander of the Japanese Combined Fleet, and mastermind of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The mission was commanded by Major John Mitchell. While a total of sixteen aircraft were involved, only four were to actually attack the Betty. With Yamamoto noted for his punctuality, and American code-breakers having deciphered his intinerary, Mitchell's flight had a fighting chance of pulling off the mission. Yamamoto's flight arrived on schedule. There were two Betty bombers and only four escorting fighters. Barber, Lt. Frank Holmes and Captain Tom Lamphier got in the heat of the action. Barber got hits on both the Bettys and also bagged a Zeke. The Army Air Force decided after the mission to give equal credit to both Lamphier and Barber for downing the Betty which Yamamoto was a passenger in. Years later Tom Lamphier lobbied hard for getting sole credit for the Yamamoto victory. The Air Force's official investigation concluded that a shared victory was still appropriate. More recent evidence, including testimony from one of the Japanese Zero pilots and a survivor from one of the Bettys which was downed, were supportive of the thesis that Rex Barber should get full credit. A book published by noted aviation historian and author Carroll Glines favors this conclusion, and a recent review panel of the American Fighter Aces Association concluded that Rex Barber deserves the sole credit for downing Yamamoto's Betty. This unfortunate controversy tarnishes the fact that this mission was the longest successful interception of its kind, and all those who participated in all aspects of it deserve credit. Barber served a second combat tour in the Pacific with the 449th Fighter Squadron in China. Following the War, Rex commanded the 29th Fighter Squadron of the 412th Fighter Group. Later he would command one of the Air Force's early jet squadrons flying the P-59A Airacomet and the P-80. Rex retired from the Air Force in 1961. His numerous decorations include the Navy Cross, the Silver Star with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Purple Heart, the Air Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. In January 1945, he returned to duty with 412th Fighter Group, 29th Fighter Squadron, testing the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star. He flew jet fighters in the Korean War and retired as a Colonel after a full Air Force career. By the end of WWII, Barber had five confirmed aerial victories and three probables. Awarded the Navy Cross, Silver Star, Purple Heart, Air Medal and Veteran of foreign Wars Gold Medal of Merit, he died peacefully in his home on July 26, 2001.



Colonel Jacksel M Broughton
Click the name or photo above to see prints signed by Colonel Jacksel M Broughton
Colonel Jacksel M Broughton

Jacksel Broughton was born on January 4, 1925 in Utica, New York. Jacksel Broughton was a 1942 graduate of Brighton High School in Rochester, New York. Broughton entered the United States Military Acedemy on July 15th, 1942, in the wartime three-year curriculum that eliminated the cadet second class (junior) year. Graduating from West Point in 1945, he was commissioned into the United States Air Force. Jacksel Broughton was initially assigned to Europe, flying P-47s and P-51s. He converted to jets at Nellis AFB, he flew a combat tour in Korea in P-80s, and a second tour in F-84s. After various operational positions he led the USAF Thunderbirds for three years - the worlds first supersonic acrobatic team. Jacksel commanded 2 tours in south east Asia flying the F-105 during Rolling Thunder missions. In his long career he accomplished being combat ready in every Air Force Fighter from the P-47 to F-106. During 4 combat tours he flew over 216 combat missions. Jacksel has written two highly respected books - Thud Ridge and Going Downtown, both first hand accounts of the air war over South East Asia. He retired from the Air Force in 1968 with the rank of Colonel on August 31st, 1968, with 43 separate awards and decorations, including four Distinguished Flying Crosses two Silver Stars and the highest Air Force decoration, the presidentially-awarded Air Force Cross.



Citation for Silver Star for Actions of 4 December 1966 :

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9th, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25th, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel Jacksel M. Broughton (AFSN: 0-17035), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Pilot of an F-105 Thunderchief of the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, in action in Southeast Asia, on 4th December 1966. On that date, Colonel Broughton was element leader in the lead flight and Deputy Mission Commander of the strike force executed against a petroleum products storage area that is the principle source of supply for the airfield from which a large force of hostile interceptor operate. Despite extremely marginal weather conditions en route and in the target area, the threat of surface-to-air missiles and hostile interceptors and intense and accurate anti-aircraft artillery fire, Colonel Broughton completed an attack that destroyed a significant portion of the target defenses and greatly contributed to the success of the mission. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Broughton has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Citation for Silver Star for Actions of 13 May 1967 :

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9th, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25th, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Colonel Jacksel M. Broughton (AFSN: 0-17035), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Pilot of an F-105 Thunderchief of the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, in action in Southeast Asia, on 13th May 1967. On that date, Colonel Broughton was the Force Commander of a mission assigned to destroy a key rail junction and classification yard. Colonel Broughton led the forces precisely to the target in spite of adverse weather conditions, heavy flak barrages and surface-to-air missile attack. He completely silenced several anti-aircraft artillery sites in the immediate proximity of the target thereby greatly enabling the remainder of the forces to strike the target very effectively. As he led his flight from the target area, he observed a flight of MiG interceptors attacking another strike force in the area and with complete disregard for his personal welfare engaged the hostile aircraft. Even though he was below bingo fuel, Colonel Broughton continued his attack until his flight had damaged two of the interceptors and driven them from the other forces. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Broughton has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.


Lieutenant Colonel Clyde B East
Click the name or photo above to see prints signed by Lieutenant Colonel Clyde B East
26 / 7 / 2001Ace : 12.00 Victories
Lieutenant Colonel Clyde B East

Born in Pittsylvania County, Virginia on July 19, 1921, raised on a rural family farm. At 19, Clyde East traveled to Hamilton, Ontario, Canada and enlisted into the Royal Canadian Air Force. Soon after, East was admitted to pilot training and completed his training in 1942. Clyde East went on active servcie to England, where he flew interdiction missions in the P-51A Mustang, attacking ground targets in France, Belgium, and Holland. He also searched for U-boats over the water. Clyde East flew P51 Mustangs with 414 Fighter / Reconnaissance Squadron RCAF in England, before transferring to the USAAF in January 1944. He joined the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron on 2nd February flying F-6C Mustangs. On June 6, 1944, East participated in the D-Day invasion of Normandy in the Mustang. It was during this mission that East and his wingman stumbled upon several FW-190s landing and promptly dispatched them with their .50 caliber machine guns, claiming the first aerial victories of the invasion. During one mission East claimed three aerial victories and, on another, was able to jump a German Messerschmitt 109 flying low. In late 1944, East fought against a German counteroffensive in what is now known as the Battle of the Bulge. Becoming a confirmed ace in March 1945, East would go on to claim a total of 13 aerial kills against the German Luftwaffe and flew over 200 combat missions with them during the war. He later served in Korea, flying 100 missions in RF-51s and RF-80s. After his return from Korea East was given command of several different tactical recon squadrons, one of which flew an additional 100 visual and photo missions over Cuba. He retired from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel in February 1965.




General James Hill
Click the name or photo above to see prints signed by General James Hill

20 / 5 / 1999Died : 20 / 5 / 1999
20 / 5 / 1999Ace : 5.00 Victories
General James Hill

James Hill joined the Army Air Corps in March 1942, completing pilot training in February 1943. Assigned to the 388th Fighter Group in Europe he began his 400 combat mission career flying P-47s. At the end of his European tour, which included taking part in the D-Day operations, he had flown 127 combat missions and was credited with two Me109s and three Fw190s shot down. He continued active flying in the Korean conflict with the 8th Fighter Bomber Wing, flying a further 128 combat missions as an F-80 pilot, when he added to his air victory score by downing a MiG-15. He later joined headquarters 5th Air Force at Osan Air Base in Korea as Chief of Fighter Operations Division and Directorate of Operations. Back in the US, he was appointed Commander NORAD at Colorado Springs. Hill died on May 20th, 1999




Colonel Tex Hill
Click the name or photo above to see prints signed by or with the mounted signature of Colonel Tex Hill

11 / 10 / 2007Died : 11 / 10 / 2007
11 / 10 / 2007Ace : 18.25 Victories
Colonel Tex Hill

Tex Hill was born in Korea on 13th July 1915. Tex Hill graduated as a Naval Aviator in 1939, and after serving as a Navy Pilot, Tex Hill volunteered for the A.V.G., becoming Squadron Leader in the 2nd Sqn (Panda Bears) until disbandment in 1942, by which time he had 12.25 air victories, making him the second highest ranking Ace in the American Volunteer Group. He remained in China, as the first squadron commander of the 75th F S /23rd F G before returning to the U.S. He went back to China to command the 23rd F G, increasing his total to 18.25 victories. In late 1943 he led a group of 30 aircraft on the first strike against Formosa. During this mission, 42 enemy aircraft were confirmed destroyed, with a possible 12 more, while all 30 aircraft under Tex Hill's command returned safely. Returning to the US, he commanded the 412th Fighter Group, the first jet aircraft group. Here, he flew P-80 Shooting Stars and YP-59 Airacomets. His decorations include a Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, 4 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 2 Air Medals, 2 Presidential Unit Citations, 6 decorations awarded by China, and a Distinguished Flying Cross from the UK. Sadly, Tex Hill died on 11th October 2007.

Tex Hill, photographed at an aviation event in Fredericksburg, c.2007, with a good friend of Cranston Fine Arts, Tony Kirk.



John Kane
Click the name above to see prints signed by John Kane
John Kane

John Kane graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in June of 1976. He completed his basic pilot training at Williams AFB. Following completion of his basic flight training Kane was assigned to the 95th Fighter Interceptor Training Squadron at Tynadall AFB. Here John flew the T-33 and served as an Instructor Pilot, Mission Flight Leader, and Functional Test Pilot. In 1980 he was reassigned to the 49t11 Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Griffiss AF13 flying the F-106. During his four years at Griffiss flying the F106, Kane actually flew the aircraft (067) depicted in Stan Stokes painting when it was on loan from Castle AFB. Kane did not get to do many interceptions while at Griffiss as they were out of the way. He did scramble several times to intercept Soviet recon aircl aft deploying from Dolon Airbase to Cuba. John also ejected from an F-106 (071) in June of 1981. Later in his career Kane would transition to the F-16 which he flew with the 363rd TFW out of Shaw AFB. From 1987-1997, John was stationed at Otis AF13 in Massachusetts with the 102nd Fighter Wing of the Massachusetts Air National Guard. At Otis John would also fly the F-15. Most of John's Cold War scrambles were in the F-16 and F-15 flying out of Norway on deployment with the 363rd TFW or out of Iceland during deployments with the Air National Guard. John now flys 737-200s out of Chicago for United Airlines. The Kanes reside in Nottingham, New Hampshire.


Contact Details
Shipping Info
Terms and Conditions
Cookie Policy
Privacy Policy

Join us on Facebook!

Sign Up To Our Newsletter!

Stay up to date with all our latest offers, deals and events as well as new releases and exclusive subscriber content!

This website is owned by Cranston Fine Arts.  Torwood House, Torwoodhill Road, Rhu, Helensburgh, Scotland, G848LE

Contact: Tel: (+44) (0) 1436 820269.  Email: cranstonorders -at- outlook.com

Follow us on Twitter!

Return to Home Page