Celebrating the Triumph of Freedom, 1945
Originally released by Valor Studios, the legend on the bottom of the print reads: “May 1945 was a time of joy for all who helped win the war in Europe. In a jeep on the road to Berchtesgaden, the Band of Brothers paratroopers revel in the crisp mountain air, free of gun smoke. They pass lush pastures not muddied by foxholes. Their guns rest at ease. Instead, they aim a beer stein and V-for-Victory skyward as the P-51s of the 325th Fighter Group buzz past. The sky is once again a playground and the Alps a land of storybook charm. The only moment greater is the one to come, when the liberators of Europe return home.”
The Story
While paying tribute to the 506th PIR’s Band of Brothers, Matt’s artwork also captures the majesty of the Alps and the excitement every G.I. in Europe felt when the war ended. Inspired by real-life events as told by Earl McClung and Don Malarkey, the men are seen here joy riding after hostilities have ceased. Raising a beer stein and flashing the V-for-Victory gesture, the paratroopers of Easy Company salute the pilots of the 325th Fighter Group who were frequently known to conduct low passes in the area. The artwork portrays the youth and excitement of young men released from the burdens of combat.
Finishing the war in Berchtesgaden, Germany, the 506th PIR remained billeted in the Alpine town for occupational duty after the war in Europe was over. While waiting to return home, the men had plenty to keep themselves busy: team sports, swimming or fishing in the local lakes, visiting the Eagle’s Nest, site seeing in the beautiful Alps or hunting for souvenirs in the remains of the Berghof or Herman Goering’s home.
Behind the Art
325th Fighter Group
Distinguished by their black and yellow checkered markings, P-51s of the 325th buzz through the valley tipping their wings in salute to the paratroopers below. Activated in 1942, the Group was awarded two Distinguished Unit Citations and credited with participation in over a dozen campaigns. The lineage of the Checkertails continues today as the 325th Fighter Wing, flying the world’s most advanced fighter, the F-22 Raptor, while based at Tyndall Air Force Base.
The Bavarian Alps
The Alps are one of the great mountain ranges of Europe and provided majestic views from Hitler’s vacation residence, the Berghof. The house was bombed by the British in late April and then later set on fire by retreating SS troops in May 1945. Over the years since WWII, all traces of Hitler’s house or any other structure associated with the Nazis have been steadily removed by the Bavarian government.
The Jeep
The ubiquitous workhorse of the Allies in WWII, the jeep was first produced in 1941 as the Willys MB (Military-Model B), a small four-wheel drive utility vehicle for the US Army. Between Willys and Ford, over 600,000 jeeps were manufactured during the war.
Project Details
Faithfully reproduced from the original artwork, Victory Salute by Matt Hall, depicts the 101st Airborne Division at the end of the war. In addition to the caption, the bottom margin of the print includes the insignia of the First Allied Airborne Army.
Editions
- Originally printed by Valor Studios:
- 290 Main Editions
- 190 Victory Editions
- 160 Artist Proofs
- 150 Publisher’s Proofs
- 100 Gallery Editions
- Each print is hand-signed by the artist
- Each print includes a Certificate of Authenticity
Lithograph
- This limited edition lithograph is printed on acid-free, archival quality, 100 lb. stock
- Print size: 32″ x 22.5″
- All prints are sold unframed
- Print color may vary from screen color
Purchase
Matt has a limited number of Gallery Editions of this print. Please contact us for availability.