This painting shows a World War II Pacific amphibious operation: PT boats dash across the foreground while dazzle-camouflaged destroyers screen loaded transports beneath aircraft along a tropical coast.

Naval Forces in the Pacific Theater

Accession number:
1989.05

Maker:
Anton Otto Fischer
1882-1962

Historical period:
1942

Miltary branch:
,

Wars and Conflicts:

Type:

Dimensions:
28" x 36"

Acquisition date:
ca. 1989

Credit line:
Gift of Rear Admiral Miles H. Hubbard, USN

Location:
,

Provenance:

Gift of Rear Admiral Miles H. Hubbard, USN (1904-1989)

Label:

This painting shows a World War II Pacific amphibious operation: PT boats dash across the foreground while dazzle-camouflaged destroyers screen loaded transports beneath aircraft along a tropical coast. It is not one documented battle but a composite of fast craft, naval gunfire, air cover, and convoy logistics typical of island campaigns.

Anton Otto Fischer was a noted American marine painter who in 1942 became a U.S. Coast Guard combat artist. He sailed with convoy and escort forces, made on-site sketches, and developed finished oils documenting amphibious landings, antisubmarine patrols, and coastal defense. His wartime images were syndicated in the press, widely reproduced, and exhibited across the country.

Presented to RADM Miles Hubbard, USN, upon his retirement, the painting complements his service at Leyte Gulf and Okinawa. Hubbard received the Silver Star, three Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart, two Legions of Merit, and the Navy Commendation Medal. He retired in 1962 as Assistant Chief of Naval Operations (Logistics) and belonged to The Army and Navy Club.