David K. Stone (American, 1922 - 2001) "Battle of Cape Esperance" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Masonite. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 50c Battle of Cape Esperance 1942 stamp issued October 11, 1992. The battle of Cape Esperance was one of several naval engagements between American and Japanese forces during their bitter struggle at Guadalcanal. The confrontation began when an American regiment, escorted by several warships, was sent to reinforce Allied positions on the island. The Japanese sent their own armada to counter the American move. Losses on both sides were light during the engagement, but the Japanese were able to reinforce their own positions on the island, raising the total number of troops there to 55,000 -- 22,000 Japanese against 23,000 Americans. Image Size: 20.25 x 24.75 in. Overall Size: 20.25 x 24.75 in. Unframed. (B13979)