Halsey's Surprise by Craig Kodera

 
Halsey's Surprise by Craig Kodera.
 
This painting is American Airlines First Officer and aviation artist Craig Kodera's homage to Robert K. Morgan and the planes he flew during World War II.  "It's November 1943," Kodera says," and these are two Douglas SBD-5's from Squadron VB-12 of the USS Saratoga.  They are starting Operation Cherryblossom-a maneuver which signaled the beginning of the end of the war in the Pacific."  Vice Admiral William F. "Bull" Halsey was the commander, and Cherryblossom caught the Japanese forces at Bougainville, in the Solomon Islands, off guard.  On November 1, the U.S. 3rd Marine Division landed on Bougainville at a point where they were least expected, forcing the enemy to struggle across jungle terrain in an attempt to dislodge the Americans.  Within two months, the Allies had established a defensive perimeter and had turned Bougainville's Empress Augusta Bay into a naval base.  Although the fighting continued for six months, the Allies were victorious, paving the way for General Douglas MacArthur's return to the Philippines.  "It was a masterful attack plan," says Kodera.  "While the Marines raided Choiseul, a nearby island, American bombers softened the defenses at Bougainville in preparation for Operation Cherryblossom.  I purposely painted the light dawning over their efforts, to give the impression of hope and accomplishment which followed months of difficult fighting."   Halsey's Surprise is especially striking as a print in The Greenwich Workshop Cameo Collection.  The debossed image is enhanced by a gold rule, and the print is specially sized to "fly" on any wall space.  Aviation art collectors will benefit from Kodera's research and artwork, as he honors the men who helped end World War II.
 
Print released 1993.
offset litho, 850 s/n
Current Availability: Sold Out at Publisher / Secondary Market Pricing Applies / Please Email for Cost.
Dimensions: 12.875" x 16.375"
CK00016

 

Issue Price: $95.00

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