Brian Sanders (British, B. 1937) "First Battle of the Philippine Sea" Oil on Canvas. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 50c First Battle of the Philippine Sea 1944 stamp issued June 19, 1994. By June 1944, Admiral Raymond Spruance, commander of the U.S. 5th Fleet, had assembled the largest naval force ever seen in the Pacific Ocean. Under the command of Vice Admiral Marc Mitscher, this powerful armada was known as Task Force 58. Its job was to support amphibious assaults on Saipan, Tinian and Guam. By June 15, Japanese Combined Fleet Commander Admiral Soemu Toyoda knew a decisive battle would take place near Saipan, where 20,000 U.S. troops had landed. What he did not know was that the Americans had broken Japanese naval codes. Thus, on June 19, when the Japanese launched four air strikes, the U.S. was ready. Out of 373 attacking Japanese aircraft, only 130 returned. For U.S. Hellcat pilots it was "as easy as shooting turkeys." Image Size: 13.5 x 16.25 in. Overall Size: 16.25 x 19.75 in. Unframed. (B14725)