Charles J Lundgren (New York, Connecticut, 1911 - 1988) "U.S.S. West Virginia" Signed lower right. Oil on Masonite. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood Commemorative Cover for the U.S.S. West Virginia. One of America's "super dreadnoughts" the U.S.S. West Virginia received her commission on 1 December 1923 with Captain Thomas J. Senn in command. Honored with many trophies and awards, the "Wee Vee" was stationed at Pearl Harbor the morning of 7 December 1941. Rising Phoenixlike from the destruction of Pearl Harbor, the U.S.S. West Virginia took part in one of the most historic battles of World War II. On 12 October 1944 she sailed under the command of Rear Admiral Jesse B. Oldendorf for the invasion of the Philippines. On 18 October, the battle line passed into Leyte Gulf. By the next day, the U.S.S. West Virginia steamed into her assigned station in San Pedro Bay at 0700-hours to provide shore bombardment in the Tacloban area. On the 19th, her gunners sent 278 16-inch shells and 1,586 5-inch shells against enemy installations in preparation of the beach landings scheduled for the next day. The Japanese responded with strike force of their own - thus began the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The initial engagement occurred between the American subs Darter and Dace and the Japanese cruisers Maya and Atago. At 2236-hours on 24 October, the U.S.S. West Virginia, Maryland, Mississippi, California, and Pennsylvania formed the last naval line-of-battle and on 25 October, they unleashed a devastating assault -- led by the 16-inch guns of the U.S.S. West Virginia on the Japanese forces. Image Size: 13.5 x 15.75 in. Overall Size: 20.5 x 21.75 in. Unframed. (B09991)