For American fighter pilots in World War II,
there was no such thing as a front line. Their
battlefield was the vast blue sky over hostile territory and rough
terrain. Thousands of feet up, in a fierce storm of bullets and
fire—life or death was decided in seconds.
The Allied air war against
the Japanese was especially fierce and called for men of extraordinary
flying skill and exceptional courage, men like David Lee “Tex” Hill.
Raised in Texas, Hill joined the U.S. Navy after college and served as a
bomber and torpedo pilot. In early 1941, the young flyer was recruited
as part of the American Volunteer Group (AVG), a secret, select force of
young men bound for China.
Before the U.S. entered the war, President Franklin D. Roosevelt
approved the use of American pilots and planes to help China defend
itself against Japan. Then Colonel Claire Chennault recruited 100
flyers, one of the chosen being Tex Hill, to become the fighter group
later known as “The Flying Tigers.”
The exploits of the Flying Tigers captured the world’s imagination
and became legendary…as did the triumphs of one of its top fighter aces.
During his time with the Tigers and later, Tex Hill scored a confirmed
total of 181/4 thrilling victories and became one of America’s legendary
World War II airmen. To this day, the service and sacrifice of Tex Hill
continues to inspire airmen, veterans and Americans throughout our great
nation.
Now America Remembers is proud to honor this legendary World War II
ace with the Tex Hill Tribute Pistol. Craftsmen commissioned
specifically for this project by America Remembers decorate each working
Colt® Government Model® Pistol in sparkling 24-karat gold and nickel,
magnificently capturing the details of the artwork on this
museum-quality masterpiece.
The Colt .45 – An American Icon
The Tex Hill Tribute Pistol, available exclusively through America
Remembers, is a working Colt® .45 ACP pistol, like the sidearm that Tex
carried during his service to America. World War II pilots faced the
constant danger of being shot down while behind enemy lines, so they
needed a rugged, reliable weapon that could fit into their flight gear.
The Colt .45 fit the bill – born for combat, it was utterly reliable,
virtually indestructible and awesome in its stopping power.
An Exclusive Limited Edition
Only 200 Tribute Pistols have been authorized in this edition. We will
arrange delivery of your Tribute through a licensed firearms dealer of
your choice. You will receive the Tribute Pistol with our 30-day
guarantee of satisfaction. If you are not completely satisfied, you may
return it to us in original unfired condition within 30 days for a
complete and courteous refund.
Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to add a classic Colt .45
pistol to your collection of fine firearms in honor of one of America’s
most unforgettable fighter pilots of WWII. Left side features a portrait of Tex
Hill in flight gear with a symbolic Chinese national flag in the
background. The banner to the right notes the time Tex spent as Squadron
Leader of the 2nd Squadron of the AVG. To the left, Hill’s faithful
Curtiss P-40B Tomahawk flashes its famous shark’s mouth, jagged smile.
On the left, closest to the hammer, is the Flying Tiger logo—a winged
tiger flying through a ‘V’ for ‘Victory.’ On the frame, just below the
slide, you’ll also find a recreation of Tex Hill’s distinctive
signature.
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