Dennis Lyall (American, B. 1946) "Flag Raised at Iwo Jima" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Canvas board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood Commerative Cover for Old Glory's Proudest Moments postmarked on the anniversary February 23, 2002. For six months, Americans had bombarded the Pacific island of Iwo Jima, hoping to drive the Japanese from a base that would be the perfect striking point against Tokyo. February 19, 1945, the United States armada launched its land assault on the island -- and for the next thirty-five days, the earth erupted in titanic thunder. Nature's own devilish defenses were enough to make the taking of Iwo Jima nearly impossible. The island was a volcanic ash heap ... barren, waterless and ripe with the stench of sulfur. But, in addition to its natural obstacles, the Japanese had fortified the island with underground garrisons, transforming it into a deadly anthill of tunnels. On the second day of the assault, the Marines began the grim chore of securing Mount Suribachi, at the southern tip of Iwo Jima. After battling the Japanese for every inch of ground they covered, the Americans finally reached the crater at the summit. There, soldiers Ira H. Hayes -- later to win the Congressional Medal of Honor -- Franklin R. Sousley, Michael Strank, John H. Bradley, Rene A. Gagnon and Harlon H. Block raised Old Glory ... claiming the hill for America. Many battles remained to be fought before the Japanese surrendered Iwo Jima to the Americans completely, and nearly seven thousand brave American men gave their lives to claim that eight mile stretch of barren soil. But, the raising of the American flag on Mount Suribachi on February 23, 1945 will be forever remembered as a moment of glory for all Americans. Image Size: 15 x 12.75 in. Overall Size: 16 x 18.5 in. Unframed. (B16959) See More