Jumping in the dark shortly after midnight on the morning of 6 June 1944, paratroopers of the U.S. 101st Airborne Division faced the hazardous task of helping to secure the right flank of the D-Day invasion zone. If they could do so, the ‘Screaming Eagles’ would be pivotal to the success of Operation Overlord.

Hours later, with their initial assignment successfully completed and reinforced by glider units, this determined unit went on play a major role in holding German forces at bay whilst the amphibious beach landings established their foothold in Normandy.

Depicting a rapid-moving forward patrol, complete with a light armored car and half-track, as they scout out the position of close-by German forces shortly after D-Day, Jim skillfully manages to contrast the beauty of the Normandy countryside with the tough, well-armed warriors in its midst. This highly detailed and carefully researched painting by James Dietz, one of America’s foremost military and aviation artists, fittingly depicts this famous unit to commemorate the momentous efforts of all those who served with the U.S. 101st Airborne during WWII – the legendary Band of Brothers