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Back To Archive Veterans Memorial Museum Unveils Original Oil Painting, "Red Tails Strike Again" in Honor of Tuskegee Airmen Branson, MO - Fred Hoppe, owner of the Veterans Memorial Museum in Branson, Missouri announced today that the original oil painting, "Red-Tails Strike Again", by artist Mike Hagel will be on display at the museum. "Red-Tails Strike Again" is a 4' x 8' mural of a return mission in 1944 of the Tuskegee Airmen protecting a US Bomber. In the mural 'Wild' Bill Campbell, flying his P-51 Mustang Fighter Plane, is shooting down a German ME 109, as his wingman breaks formation to join him. The Tuskegee Airmen, during WWII, destroyed or damaged 409 enemy aircraft, and they flew over 2,578 missions, 200 of these missions were as heavy bomber escorts deep into the Rhineland, during which time not one of the heavies were lost to enemy fighters. The Tuskegee Airmen were referred to as 'Red-Tails' because they predominately flew P-51 Mustang Fighter Planes distinctively painted red on the tail. Hoppe said, "Acquiring this painting is especially exciting for us because of the reunion of the Tuskegee Airmen and the 15th Air Force Heavy Bomber Groups & Squadrons that will be held in Branson during Veterans Homecoming Week. Many of the Tuskegee Airmen are scheduled to visit the museum. Artist Mike Hagel will join us November 9th and 10th to sign prints of 'Red-Tails Strike Again'." Artist Mike Hagel, based out of Omaha, Nebraska, says, "I wanted to pay homage to these American heroes who not only had to overcome racial discrimination to prove they were superior pilots, but did their missions so well as to never have lost a bomber they were assigned to protect." Hagel, with over 30 years of illustration experience, specializes in historical aviation missions. Other murals of his displayed at the Veterans Memorial Museum include "Surrender Flight", "Butch O'Hare", and "Simpson Harbor". The Veterans Memorial Museum features over 2000 exhibits progressing through the wars of the 20th Century, including WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf. Along with "Red-Tails Strike Again", a hallmark of the museum is the world's largest war memorial bronze sculpture. Over 70 feet long, weighing 15 tons, the sculpture is of 50 life-size soldiers storming a beach. Each soldier is modeled after an actual combat veteran from each of the states. The museum also features a sculpture of three U.S. soldiers serving in Vietnam that greets visitors upon entry to the museum. One of those soldiers is Senator Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, who is the brother of Mike Hagel. Fred Hoppe, owner of the Veterans Memorial Museum, says, "In addition to our existing collection of war time exhibits we are continually researching and adding new displays. We're excited to be able to add another stirring tribute like "Red-Tails Strike Again" to the museum as we continue to honor the men and women who fought so bravely to maintain our freedoms." The museum, on West Highway 76 in Branson, is easy to find as there is a full-sized World War II P-51 Mustang Fighter Plane located in front of the building. Call 417-336-2300 for further information. |
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