The Eagles Return by Richard Taylor features USAAF Ace 'Bud' Anderson in his P-51 'Old Crow'.

A perfect afternoon was ending as the summer of 1944 drew to a close and, as a gentle breeze blew over the banks of the small river close to the Suffolk coast, the war seemed a million miles away. 

But suddenly the spell is broken: the thunderous roar of racing Merlin engines shatters the peace as, just feet above the ground P-51 Mustangs with fuselages glinting in the sun, power through the air as they head for home. Their dangerous mission is almost at an end and soon the tensions of escort duty and combat can be put to one side, if only for a few hours, as tomorrow is sure to bring another day of action for the P-51 pilots of the Eighth Air Force.

In his memorable piece The Eagles Return, Richard Taylor uses spell-binding artistry to convey a heart-warming scene in tribute to those tough, determined and supremely brave aviators. It seems fitting that he’s chosen to depict Ace pilot ‘Bud’ Anderson in his P-51 ‘Old Crow’ in company with colleagues from the 363rd Fighter Squadron as they head back to Leiston after a gruelling escort mission over occupied Europe for the 357th Fighter Group – one of the most successful fighter units in the Eighth Air Force. In tribute to those courageous pilots who flew the legendary P-51 Mustang during WWII, each print is mounted to full conservation standards to include the original autograph of the famous Ace depicted in Richard’s detailed study:
Colonel C.E. ‘BUD’ ANDERSON - 16¼ victories.