Howard Koslow (American, 1924 - 2016) "U.S. Liberates Marshall Islands" Signed lower left. Original Acrylic on Illustration Board painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 29c U.S. Liberates Marshall Islands 1944 stamp issued February 4, 1994. Having learned from the carnage at Tarawa, U.S. forces were exceptionally well organized for the invasion of the Marshalls -- Operation FLINTLOCK -- which began on January 31, 1944. The undefended island of Majuro was captured first and used as a base to bomb Kwajalein Atoll prior to the next day's main assault. On February 1, the 4th Marine Division landed on Roi and Namur Islands, while the 7th Infantry Division and 25th Marines attacked the Japanese stronghold on Kwajalein Island, 50 miles to the south. Despite savage fighting and frenzied banzai charges, Japanese Rear Admiral Monzo Akiyama's entire garrison -- nearly 8,000 men -- was virtually wiped out. Fewer than 400 U.S. troops died. By February 4, all resistance on Kwajalein Atoll had ended. Pictured here is a Douglas SBD Dauntless in combat over Roi and Namur Islands. Image Size: 12 x 14.75 in. Overall Size: 17.75 x 20 in. Unframed. (B14599)