Authentic Aviation & Military History Autograph Memorabilia

Item Description

Offered is an authentic hand-signed "Big Tailed Beast" aviation print personally signed by Lt. H. Paul Brehm, a United States Navy aviator who participated in one of the final major carrier-based air strikes of World War II.

This dramatic artwork was created by renowned aviation artist Stan Stokes and depicts Lt. Brehm flying a Curtiss SB2C-4E Helldiver during the July 24, 1945 attack against the Japanese battleship Hyuga near Kure, Japan. The unframed print measures approximately 11.5" x 16" and has been hand signed by Paul Brehm.

The print includes an Authentication Integrity Verified (AIV) hologram affixed directly to the artwork along with a matching Certificate of Authenticity.

Please review all photographs carefully as they are considered part of the item description.

Important Information

• Hand signed by Lt. H. Paul Brehm
• "Big Tailed Beast" artwork by Stan Stokes
• Features the Curtiss SB2C-4E Helldiver
• Depicts the July 24, 1945 attack on the battleship Hyuga
• Unframed print measures approximately 11.5" x 16"
• AIV hologram affixed to the print
• Includes matching AIV Certificate of Authenticity
• Signature obtained during a private signing session
• Not a reproduction, facsimile, autopen, or printed signature

Authentication

This item includes an Authentication Integrity Verified (AIV) hologram affixed directly to the artwork along with a matching Certificate of Authenticity.

Founded in 2018, Authentication Integrity Verified (AIV) was created by longtime autograph industry professionals committed to raising standards in authentication, security, and collector confidence. AIV utilizes proprietary security holograms and QR-code verification technology, allowing collectors to quickly access authentication records through the AIV database.

For witnessed signings, an AIV representative is present during the signing process and the authentication record is entered into the database following the event.

Authentication and integrity remain the cornerstones of AIV's verification process.

About Paul Brehm

Lt. H. Paul Brehm served with Air Group 87 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga (CV-14) during World War II. On July 24, 1945, Brehm participated in a major carrier strike against the former Japanese battleship Hyuga, which was anchored near Kure, Japan and heavily defended by anti-aircraft batteries.

Flying a Curtiss SB2C-4E Helldiver, Brehm dove through intense anti-aircraft fire to attack the target. During the attack, an aircraft immediately ahead of him was lost, crashing near the battleship. Despite the danger, Brehm pressed home his attack, releasing his bomb at low altitude and scoring a direct hit on the Hyuga.

After completing the mission, Brehm and his gunner, W. Tommy Thompson, were forced to ditch their Helldiver due to fuel shortages and poor weather conditions. Both men were rescued by the destroyer USS Chauncey, surviving a mission in which more than half of the attacking Helldivers failed to return safely.

Their actions formed part of the final carrier air campaign against Japan and represent the courage and determination of Naval Aviation during the closing weeks of World War II.

About the Curtiss SB2C Helldiver

The Curtiss SB2C Helldiver was the U.S. Navy's primary carrier-based dive bomber during the latter stages of World War II. Capable of carrying up to 2,000 pounds of bombs and operating from aircraft carriers throughout the Pacific, the Helldiver became one of the most important strike aircraft of the war.

Nicknamed "The Big Tailed Beast" by many of its pilots, the SB2C earned a reputation for powerful combat capability while also being one of the most challenging carrier aircraft to fly and land. More than 7,000 were produced, and the Helldiver played a major role in the destruction of Japanese naval and military targets across the Pacific.

About the Artist – Stan Stokes

Stan Stokes is widely regarded as one of the premier aviation and military artists of the modern era. His artwork has appeared in museums, private collections, military installations, and historical publications throughout the world.

Known for his attention to historical detail and dramatic portrayal of aviation subjects, Stokes has created some of the most recognizable military aviation artwork ever produced. His paintings honoring fighter pilots, bomber crews, naval aviators, astronauts, and historic aircraft are highly collectible and continue to be sought after by aviation enthusiasts worldwide.

Shipping

• Ships within one business day of cleared payment
• Professionally packaged for safe delivery
• Tracking included on all orders
• Combined shipping available on most multiple-item purchases

About PS Collectibles

PS Collectibles specializes in authentic aviation, military, historical, space exploration, sports, and entertainment memorabilia.

Preserve History. Share Stories. Deliver Authenticity.

Be sure to visit our store for additional SB2C Helldiver, USS Ticonderoga, Pacific Theater, World War II Naval Aviation, Stan Stokes artwork, and historical autograph collectibles.

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