Give Our Love to Yamamoto. New York, 1943.

SZYK, Arthur. “Give our Love to Yamamoto.” Signed and Dated “Arthur Szyk, N.Y. (19)43”. Pen and ink on paper. Sheet size: 6″ x 4″. Image size: 4″ x 3 3/4″. Very Good condition.

Two foolish looking Japanese naval officers cling in vain to their vessel as it is about to sink beneath the south Pacific waves. “Give our love to Yamamoto” they say to their faraway commander, for though the Japanese flag is still waving, it won’t for long. In the distance stands a U.S. sailor safe and sound aboard his ship.

In early March of 1943 American bombers sunk a Japanese convoy of 22 ships at the Battle of Bismarck Sea effectively ending the Japanese plans for reinforcing their navy in New Guinea. Gaining momentum the Navy and amphibious forces began island hopping operations in the Pacific, capturing key bases and forcing the Japanese into further retreats. This lesser known naval victory was one of the keynotes in turning the tide against the Japanese in World War II.