This is one of a series of paintings by R.G. that depicts the "Battle of Midway". It depicts scenes that are based on actual interviews of pilots that were directly involved in this historic battle. This series of paintings accurately captures the ferocity of the battle and the heroic actions of our naval pilots that was never recorded on film.

The key to winning the battle was the skill and courage of our navy pilots flying the Douglas SBD Dive Bomber. It was a turning point in the war in the Pacific during WWII.

This painting depicts a TBD flown by Ensign George Gay, under intense fire, as he approaches the Japanese carrier, Kaga, during the Battle of Midway.  His squadron skipper, Lieutenant Commander John Waldron, had ordered, "If there is only one plane left to make a final run-in, I want that man to go in and get a hit."  Gay, as "tail-end Charlie," had watched all of his squadron mates get shot down.  During this attack, his gunner was killed, his plane damaged, and he crashed at sea.  Gay actually watched the epic battle from the water and was rescued 30 hours later.  He was the sole survivor of his Torpedo Squadron Eight (VT-8).