Charles J Lundgren (New York, Connecticut, 1911 - 1988) "U.S.S. New Jersey" Signed lower right. Oil on Masonite. 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. New Jersey. Still active in the 1980's, the U.S.S. New Jersey was commissioned on 23 May 1943 with Captain Carl F. Holden in command. The U.S.S. New Jersey saw her first duty during the assault on the Marshall Islands in 1944. She began her storied career as a flagship 4 February 1944 for Admiral Raymond A. Spruance Commander, 5th Fleet. The U.S.S. New Jersey's next war cruise 13 April - 4 May 1944 began and ended at Majuro, but carried her to New Guinea, the Marianas and the Palau Island group. She continued to be an effective force throughout the "island hopping" campaign in the Pacific Theater, serving as flagship for Admiral William F. "Bull" Halsey's 3rd Fleet. She guarded carriers in their strikes on Formosa, Okinawa, Luzon, Hong Kong, and Iwo Jima. The U.S.S. New Jersey was then overhauled before sailing as flagship for the 5th Fleet until War's end. The U.S.S. New Jersey began her Korean career at Wonsan 20 May 1951 with a devastating shore bombardment. Later, she participated in a deadly five hour bombardment of Kansong on 16 October 1951. It seemed as if every salvo found its mark. She leveled ten artillery positions and inflicted some five hundred enemy casualties. Thus far, the U.S.S. New Jersey has earned the Navy Unit Commendation for Vietnam service, two Battle Stars for service in Vietnam, four for the Korean Conflict, and nine for World War II. Image Size: 13.5 x 15.75 in. Overall Size: 20.5 x 21.75 in. Unframed. (B11125)