Original Signed Limited Edition Print: “Fateful Voyage: The U.S.S. Indianapolis, July 30th, 1945” by Marii Chernev Signed by 41 Survivors of the Sinking - 76/500 - 27 x 36”

Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is a signed print of “Fateful Voyage: The U.S.S. Indianapolis, July 30th, 1945” by Marii Chernev. The print is signed at the bottom by a staggering 41 survivors of the sinking of the Indianapolis. The original print only had three signatures, so the previous owner spent a number of years collecting the other 38 signatures, making this a truly astounding offering. This is a limited run print, 76/500.

Marii Chernev, although born and trained in Bulgaria, now lives and paints at his home in the United States. As a leading aviation/marine artist, Marii has produced over 60 paintings depicting British and American World War II subjects, many of which now hang in private collections across the world. In 1998 Marii's work was exhibited in Sofia, Bulgaria during the 86th Anniversary of the foundation of the Bulgarian Air Force.

The heavy cruiser USS Indianapolis is steaming along at 17 knots on its way to the Philippines after delivering the atomic bomb to Tinian Island...the very bomb that will be dropped on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. The "Indy" is lined up for a perfect shot from the Japanese submarine's long-lance torpedoes. Of a crew of over 1,100 men, approximately 900 survived the two torpedo strikes and entered the warm Pacific waters. For 5 days and 4 nights, these survivors endured the tropical sun, thirst, hunger, and worst of all, a mass shark attack. Of the over 900 men that went into the water, only 317 survived.

There are 41 signatures total, the original three being Seaman 2nd Class Richard Thelan, Seaman First Class Louis Betonti, and Seaman First Class Lyndsey Carter. Another 38 were added later, likely from the owner taking the print to shows and other events where the veterans were present. 

The print comes with the Certificate of Authenticity which shows the same number, 76, of 500. 

The print measures 27 x 36” and will look outstanding in a frame. 

Ready to frame and display!