Howard Koslow (American, 1924 - 2016) "Ulysses S. Grant" Signed lower left. Original oil painting on Cold Press Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original oil painting which was published on the Fleetwood Commemorative PFCD for America's Greatest Military Heroes series, cancelled April 27, 1992. The year was 1861. The Civil War -- one of America's darkest eras -- had begun. When the cry for Union troops went out, one of the first to answer the call was a middle-aged farmer who had, years earlier, graduated from the famed United States Military Academy. His name was Ulysses S. Grant. On and off the battlefield, Grant exhibited the qualities of a great military leader. He always took the initiative, fought aggressively, and made quick, sure decisions. Within a few months of enlisting, he was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. Under Grant's staunch leadership and military prowess, the Union Army secured victory after victory. Indeed, Grant's troops won the bloody battles fought at Fort Henry, Fort Donelson and Vicksburg ... to name just a few. He was such a success as a military leader that in early 1864 President Abraham Lincoln promoted Grant to lieutenant general and put him in charge of all the Union troops. With this supreme authority bestowed upon him, Grant began a final campaign against the Southern troops of General Robert E. Lee. Grant's troops constantly pursued and attacked the enemy troops, until General Lee was finally forced to surrender on April 9, 1865 ... ending the war. Ulysses S. Grant's bravery and military genius won for him the love and admiration of America ... and eventually the Presidency of the United States. Image Size: 13.75 x 12 in. Overall Size: 20.25 x 18 in. Unframed. (B08788)