Charles J Lundgren (New York, Connecticut, 1911 - 1988) "U.S.S. Idaho" Original Oil Painting on Masonite. Signed lower right. 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. Idaho. The U.S.S. Idaho was commissioned on 24 March 1919 with Captain C.T. Vogelgesang in command. Thus began the duty of one of the most fascinating fighting ships in U.S. Naval history. During her first twelve years of operation, U.S.S. Idaho primarily carried out training exercises and escort duties. In 1931 she was modernized; she received better armor, submarine protection "blisters" -- armor below her waterline which gave way when struck by a torpedo without sinking the ship -- better machinery, and was refitted with new masts. This major overhaul was not completed until 1935. As the clouds of war loomed over the Atlantic and Pacific, the U.S.S. Idaho was completing war games off Pearl Harbor in July 1940. By 1941, as part of the Neutrality Patrol, she moved to Iceland. Immediately after receiving the news of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, she was recalled to the Pacific, beginning an illustrious wartime career. She was part of the assault fleet which pushed back the Japanese at the Gilbert Islands, Kwajalein and the Marianas. Her most memorable service was during the pre-invasion bombardment of Saipan on 14 June 1944. Her mighty guns pounded the shoreline and led the way for the brilliantly successful landing the next day. She continued to be an effective force in the "island hopping" campaign, and received seven Battle Stars for her service in World War II. Image Size: 13.5 x 15.75 in. Overall Size: 20.5 x 21.75 in. Unframed. (B11019)