Frame Size: 29" x 30" ----- Limited Edition Print autographed by Major Urban L."Ben" Drew and the artist. Comes with a COE.

~Kommando Nowotny - First Blood~

by Daniel Ott

Limited Edition Print Number: 339 of 750

 On October 7, 1944, the first German all jet fighter group, Kommando Nowotny, began combat operations. Based at Achmer, Major Walter Nowotny and his group were tasked to prove the worth of Messerschmitt's ME-262 in combat. Also on this day, 1st Lt. Urban L. Drew was leading the 375th Fighter Squadron on a escort mission deep into Czechoslovakia. On their return flight, the "little friends" passed dangerously close to Achmer Aerodrome and Kommando Nowotny. Drew had previous experience with the 262, having tangled with one in September 1944. Upon seeing Kommando Nowotny lined up for a mass take off and realizing the danger to the bombers, Drew passed command to his deputy squadron leader and with his wingman, 2nd Lt. Robert McCandliss began his attack run. Having built up tremendous speed in the dive, plus having the advantage of surprise, Drew was able to line up the enemy wing leader and his wingman. Oblt Bley, wing leader and wingman, Lt Kobert began their normal take off and climb procedures. Now, in range of the unaware German jets, Drew opened fire. His aim was true and the ME-262 of Lt Kobert disappeared in the resulting explosion. Flying through the debris , Drew turned his attention to the leader. Performing the classic Bf109 escape, Oblt Bley began a tight climbing turn to port. Drew fired again and mortally wounded the ME-262. Without rudder and elevators, Oblt Bley went into an inverted spin and was forced to leave his aircraft. The fight was over in less than 30 seconds but the feat would ensure Ben Drew's immortality. He would be the only allied pilot to shoot down two ME-262's in a single mission. Without reguard for his safety, Ben Drew saved the lives of countless bomber crews by breaking up this deadly attack group. For this action, he would receive the Air Force Cross albeit 40 years later. But that's another story.