Original Item: Only One Available. This is a scarce signed copy of Not as Briefed by Colonel C. Ross Greening, noted U.S. Army Air Forces pilot, Doolittle Raider, prisoner of war, author, and artist. The book presents Greening’s vivid artwork depicting aerial combat, bomber crews, prisoner-of-war life, and the experiences of American airmen during WWII.

Charles Ross Greening was the pilot of aircraft No. 11 during the April 18, 1942 Doolittle Raid against Japan. After returning to combat service, he flew B-26 Marauder missions in North Africa and Italy. He was shot down over Italy in July 1943 and became a prisoner of war. Following an escape from a German-controlled prison train, Greening spent several months evading capture with assistance from Italian civilians before being recaptured and eventually imprisoned at Stalag Luft I near Barth, Germany.

While held at Stalag Luft I, Greening used his artistic abilities to record life inside the camp and illustrate the wartime experiences described by his fellow Allied airmen. His subjects included aerial combat, damaged bombers, parachute escapes, prison compounds, German guards, camp life, and the humor and hardships shared by prisoners of war.

After liberation, a selection of Greening’s wartime artwork was published under the title Not as Briefed. The paintings form a remarkable visual record of WWII aviation and captivity as seen by an experienced combat pilot and prisoner. Original works reproduced in the book are also represented in the collection of the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

This copy is signed by Colonel C. Ross Greening, greatly increasing its historical and collector interest. Greening died in 1957, so an authentic author-signed example must originate from an edition produced during his lifetime or contain a signature added to a later assembled volume.

The book remains in great overall condition, with expected age, handling, and storage wear. The binding, pages, artwork, signature, and any edition or limitation information should be reviewed carefully in the accompanying photographs.

This is an exceptional signed association piece connected directly to one of the Doolittle Raiders and to the experiences of Allied airmen held at Stalag Luft I. Its combination of original wartime artwork, aviation history, prisoner-of-war content, and Colonel Greening’s signature makes it an outstanding addition to an advanced U.S. Army Air Forces, Doolittle Raid, POW, or WWII aviation collection.