Keith Reynolds (American, B. 1929) "USS Lexington (CV-16)" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Canvas Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 50c U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16) stamp issued June 24, 1993. On July 15, 1941, a month before the launching of the U.S.S. Cabot CV-16, the U.S.S. Lexington CV-2 was lost following the Battle of the Coral Sea. To honor her famous predecessor, the Cabot was renamed Lexington and the "Lady Lex" embarked on her own impressive naval career. In late 1943, the aircraft carrier was involved in her first major engagement. The Lexington was assigned to clear the way for U.S. Marine landings by destroying military installations and gun emplacements in the Marshall Islands. For six days, a series of successful air strikes were waged on enemy fighters. On December 4th, aerial combat inflicted further damage on the Japanese stronghold in the Kwajalein Atoll, weakening their defense setup in the Marshalls. Size: 20 x 16 in. Unframed. (B14319) See More