The Rescue of Ensign John R. Gavlin by the U.S.S. Harder and Crew
A print from the U.S. Naval Institute.
Unlike others we have seen from the USNI, this one is not dated. But probably prior to the 80's.
18x24" print in excellent condition.
Shipping is USPS with tracking.
The original painting was completed in 1944 by Tom Freeman. This is a print from that artwork.
It depicts a submarine rescue of a downed pilot. It was a tribute to the brave heroes of the many crewmembers of submarines which faced death, but saved hundreds of pilots during the war.
The last picture is the actual photo of Gavlin's rescue by the Harder and crew. This was in shallow water, and under heavy enemy fire coming from the tree line. If you want to list heroic sacrifice and bravery......that picture could lead the list of candidates.
The story of the USS Harder is one worth reading. She was lost later in the war. This last part was from a crew member lost in a submarine, taken from the last letter he wrote to his wife.
The following text is from The Coming Fury by Bruce Catton., pg. 478."Major Sullivan Ballou of Rhode Island was killed in the battle, and just before it he had wrote to his wife, Sarah, Sarah, to tell her that he believed he was going to be killed and to express a tremulous faith that could see a gleam of light in the dark:"But O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and float unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you in the gladdest days and in the gloomiest nights, always, always, and if there be a soft breeze upon your chest it shall be my breath, as the cool air fans your throbbing temple it shall be my spirit passing by. Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait, for we shall meet again!"
Thank you for reading.