Home at last, now for the hard part!

Commissioned by the pilot of the stricken F-4 Phantom.

Shot to pieces and leaking fuel like a sieve, a young US Naval pilot makes it home to his carrier during the Vietnam War thanks to the selfless act of a tanker pilot.

Refusing to leave his wing man's crash site the young pilot protected him until the rescue helicopters arrived, sustaining fatal damage in the process. Completely defenseless and against orders, the tanker flew over 50 miles into enemy territory and towed the young pilot home, pumping gas into his leaking tanks the entire way. Everyone made it home that night. Angels come in all shapes and sizes, even Whales.

Watercolor and gauche painting on paper.