Charles J Lundgren (New York, Connecticut, 1911 - 1988) "U.S.S. Massachusetts" Signed lower right. Original Oil on Masonite painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting appeared on the Fleetwood Commemorative Cover for the U.S.S. Massachusetts. The U.S.S. Massachusetts was one of the most celebrated U.S. ships of World War II. Commissioned on 12 May 1942 with Captain Francis E.M. Whiting in command, "Big Mamie" was among the first American ships fitted with 16-inch guns. She first served with the Western Naval Task Force during the invasion of North Africa as flagship for Admiral H. Kent Hewit. While steaming off Casablanca on the morning of 8 November 1942, she encountered the Axis French battleship Jean Bart. Jean Bart immediately opened fire. U.S.S. Massachusetts returned the Bart's fire, thus becoming the first U.S. ship to fire 16-inch shells against the Axis Powers. Across the grey morning sea, the battleships exchanged volleys, minutes later the Jean Bart's guns were silent. U.S.S. Massachusetts then turned her guns on a complement of enemy destroyers which had joined the fight, sinking two of them. After the Axis French government agreed to a cease-fire, the U.S.S. Massachusetts returned to the States to prepare for Pacific duty. She arrived in the Pacific on 4 March 1943. As the U.S. Navy drove across the Pacific in its "island hopping" campaign, the U.S.S. Massachusetts was part of the action. She fought at Kwajalein, Truk, Saipan, Guam, Leyte Gulf, Okinawa and Iwo Jima. For her action in World War II, U.S.S. Massachusetts received eleven battle stars. Image Size: 13.5 x 15.75 in. Overall Size: 20.5 x 21.75 in. Unframed. (B10677)