WW2 Italian Campaign 1943 Navy cruiser firing off Sicily Original Navy Photo

Description: An original, first-generation photograph from a stunning war photo collection compiled by friend of the USMC, Marion Fischer.Type & Size: A 9.5x6.5" original photograph.Condition: Good vintage condition. Front may have wrinkles or small tears from age. Please see photos for details. Some photos were removed from a glued in album, and as such may have remnants on the back including yellow coloring from glue and in some cases pieces of backing, which were kept to protect the integrity of the images.This photograph captures a dramatic moment during the night bombardment on July 10, 1943, when a U.S. Navy cruiser is firing its big guns, illuminating the dark surroundings. The intense light from the explosion highlights the silhouettes of crew members onboard, and the sea below reflects the flash of the heavy artillery. This action took place off the coast of Gela, Sicily, as part of the Allied invasion during World War II.The U.S. Navy played a crucial role in the success of the Allied landings in Sicily, marking a significant step in the Italian Campaign. The naval bombardment helped to neutralize Axis shore installations, providing essential support for the troops landing on the beaches. This campaign was a pivotal moment in the effort to reclaim Europe from Axis control.Smoke and flames pour forth from the big guns of a U.S. Navy cruiser as it joins in the night bombardment.- - - This photograph originates from a massive Type 1 photo collection compiled by Mrs Marion Fischer. It contained over 500 mostly Navy & USMC press and personal photos spanning from Pearl Harbor through the Korean War. A number of these photos appear to have never been published. During World War II Marion Fischer worked with the Emergency Aid of Pennsylvania. On her own, she started a project to provide kits for Marines. She wrote to her friends as well as celebrities to appeal for money for these kits that held toilet articles, writing paper, and a picture frame. Once the war ended, Mrs. Fischer found herself with the beginnings of a collection of letters from military officials. She again started writing letters to Marine Corps officers asking for items she could add to her collection. She mainly received photographs and biographical notes. Later, she was able to obtain war souvenirs. She displayed this collection in her home and opened it up to Marines wanting to view the holdings. Much of her collection is now part of the USMC archives referenced as Coll/858. Other parts of it, such as this photo collection, were sold by her estate. Many of the photos in this collection were sent in to her by an incredible list of high ranking personnel including fleet Admiral Nimitz, Rear Admiral James Fife, and scores of others.

Price: 35 USD

Location: Carlsbad, California

End Time: 2025-01-22T14:17:33.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD