June 19, 2013 - Medal of Honor Car

Menno-area artist Mickey Harris recently donated some of his talent to create a custom airbrush paint job on a 1956 Ford Thunderbird that will be auctioned off to support military families.

Harris' artwork depicts a number of scenes of heroism by American soldiers in times of combat.

The trunk hood of the car features a color guard representing multiple branches of the United States military.

Sue Wilson, San Angelo, Texas, whose brother received the Medal of Honor after being killed in action, speaks with area native and veteran Deono Miller, who served in Vietnam.

The unveiling and signing ceremony at Classic Collision & Frame Thursday, June 13 was witnessed by dozens of members of the media and public, including some Faces to the Falls cyclists who just happened to be passing through Menno.

Mickey Harris, right, called contributing to the fundraiser, which will be organized by Wounded Warriors Family Support, an honor.

Michael Fitzmaurice, the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from South Dakota, signs his name to the hood of the Thunderbird at a ceremony Thursday afternoon, June 13 at Classic Collision & Frame in Menno. Many other Medal of Honor recipients are expected to sign the vehicle before it is auctioned off for charity at the Barrett-Jackson auto auction.

Harris also painted the dashboard of the 1956 Thunderbird, seen her on display during the ceremony Thursday, June 13 at Classic Collision & Frame.

Fitzmaurice applied his name to the hood of the car, the art on which features bald eagles, the Medal of Honor and the faces of American soldiers.

Local veteran Lee Herrboldt greets Fitzmaurice following the signing ceremony Thursday, June 13 at Classic Collision & Frame.

Wilson speaks with an audience member while the American flag, painted by local artist Mickey Harris, peeks out from underneath the upraised hood of the 1956 Ford Thunderbird.

Harris' airbrush images are known across the country for their highly-detailed, lifelike appearance.
PHOTOS BY ERIK KAUFMAN