Charles J Lundgren (New York, Connecticut, 1911 - 1988) "U.S.S. Iowa" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Masonite. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which appeared on the Fleetwood Commemorative Cover for the U.S.S. Iowa. One of the most powerful battleships ever built for the U.S. Navy, the U.S.S. Iowa was commissioned on 22 February 1943 with Captain John L. McCrea in command. In the fall of 1943, the U.S.S. Iowa carried President Franklin Roosevelt to the Teheran Conference. As Flagship for Battleship Division 7, U.S.S. Iowa made her combat debut in the campaign for the Marshall Islands. Her next assignment was to support air strikes against the Japanese in the Carolines. On 18 March 1944, the U.S.S. Iowa -- flying the flag of Vice Admiral Will A. Lee, Commander Battleships Pacific -- joined the bombardment of the Mili Atoll. U.S.S. Iowa then participated in the Marianas campaign, protected various U.S. aircraft carriers during the "island hopping" campaign, and was part of the battle line of Fast Carrier Task Force 58 during the decisive Battle of the Philippines in June, 1944. Her actions in World War II earned her nine Battle Stars. When Communist North Korea attacked its southern neighbor, U.S.S. Iowa was called again to active duty with Captain William R. Smedberg in command. Perhaps her most memorable action occurred on 8 April 1952, as she led combat operations off the East Coast of Korea. Her actions helped stem North Korean aggression. For her service as Flagship for the Seventh Fleet in Korea she received two Battle Stars. Image Size: 13.5 x 15.75 in. Overall Size: 20.5 x 21.75 in. Unframed. (B10555)