Chris Calle (B. 1961) "U.S. Wins Battle of Midway" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 29c Yorktown Lost World War II Series stamp issued August 17, 1992. Commanding a colossal force of 160 warships, Adm. Isoroku Yamamoto was out to destroy the U.S. Pacific Fleet, capture Midway Island, and make amends for the embarrassment of Doolittle's raid. With the bulk of the Japanese fleet at his disposal and depending on complete tactical surprise, Yamamoto was confident of attaining his goals. Intelligence had broken the main Japanese code and knew of Japan's intended attack on Midway. Yamamoto would find that, unlike Pearl Harbor, the U.S. Navy was waiting for him, ready and able. Commanded by Adm. Chester W. Nimitz, the American force was positioned some 350 miles northeast of Midway and included the carriers Hornet, Enterprise and Yorktown. Less than a month earlier, the Yorktown had sustained extensive damage at the Battle of the Coral Sea. She was repaired in two days instead of an estimated 90, a remarkable feat that would prove to be a crucial factor in the upcoming American victory at Midway. The battle commenced on June 3, when U.S. torpedo planes left Midway and ineffectually engaged the approaching Japanese armada. The battle had just begun. Wave after wave of U.S. carrier-launched planes discharged their deadly arsenal upon the Japanese ships, often catching enemy planes, fueled and armed, on the decks. With his carriers, the Kaga, Akagi, Soryu and Hiryu, and scores of his planes at the bottom of the ocean, a defeated Yamamoto ran for home. Although the Yorktown was lost, the American victory was complete. Image Size: 15.75 x 12.25 in. Overall Size: 23.25 x 20 in. Unframed. (B13485)