Brian Sanders (British, B. 1937) "Battle of the Coral Sea - The Shoho" Original Oil on Canvas painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 50c Battle of the Coral Sea 1942 Japanese Carrier Shoho stamp issued May 8, 1992. Rear Admiral Fletcher's successful aircraft raid on the Japanese landing forces at Tulagi made conflict in the Coral Sea inevitable. The loss of a destroyer and oiler on May 7 only slightly weakened Fletcher's fighting strength, and he was resolutely determined to strike a lethal blow against the enemy forces. As the battle intensified, his carrier-based aircraft scrambled quickly and bore down upon the Japanese carrier Shoho. Mortally wounded, the Shoho, and an accompanying cruiser, sank. Image Size: 13.5 x 34.25 in. Overall Size: 15.75 x 36.5 in. Unframed. (B13780 / B13781)