MODEL OF THE USS CAMBRIA (APA-36) DURING THE 1945

MODEL OF THE USS CAMBRIA (APA-36) DURING THE 1945 OKINAWA CAMPAIGN
This full hull, 1/4 scale model of a Bayfield Class attack transport is mounted on two brass pedestal supports and presented in a custom fitted, glazed display case with mahogany baseboard, which is drop-mounted to a matched mahogany display table. Overall dimensions: 60 in. H x 70 1/2 in. L x 19 1/4 in. W.
The USS Cambria was launched at the Western Pipe and Steel Company shipyard in San Francisco, CA in November 1942 and after she was commissioned in early 1943, Captain C. W. Dean of the US Coast Guard assumed command and she and her Higgins Boats were all manned by Coast Guard personnel through her service in the Pacific Theatre until the end of the war. During the early 1944 invasion of the Marshall Islands, she served as flagship for Majuro Attack Group during the landings. After overhaul at San Francisco and refresher training at Pearl Harbor, Cambria left 30 May 1944 for the Marianas invasion, again serving as flagship of an attack group. She took part in the assault on Saipan in June-July, then led the invasion of Tinian (24 July-1 August). Embarking Army troops and equipment at Honolulu, Cambria joined the Southern Attack Group for the invasion of the Philippines. On 20 October she landed troops at Dulag, Leyte, in the first assault wave, then remained off Leyte as a casualty evacuation ship.Cambria lifted reinforcements from Oro Bay, New Guinea, to the Leyte area, then returned to New Guinea for rehearsal landings at Huon Gulf. She landed troops at Lingayen Gulf during the invasion landings on 10 January 1945, and after a reinforcement mission, got underway for Tulagi to train for the invasion of Okinawa. Cambria staged at Ulithi, then put her troops ashore at Okinawa on 1 April 1945.
This highly-detailed, scale model was commissioned by Marine Bank of North America (MBNA) for its corporate art collection, where it was displayed in the office of Senior Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, General Charles C. Krulak (retired Commandant of the US Marine Corps, 1995-1999). The model honored the WWII service of his father, Lt. General Victor H. Krulak (also a former Marine Commandant), who commanded a Marine task force during the amphibious invasion of Okinawa in 1945 and for which USS Cambria served as his flagship. Victor Krulak was also seminal in developing both Marine Corps amphibious doctrine prior to- and during the war, as well as playing a seminal role in the initial design of the Higgins landing craft.
Authentic research was provided to Master Modeler Stephen W. Henninger from the U.S. Dept. of Transportation, National Archives, Maps and Plans Division, and the U.S. Maritime Commission. This ship is painted in the splinter camouflage pattern she wore during the Okinawa campaign. The model's hull construction was created via hallow-out laminated waterline basswood lifts, with superstructure built-up from a combination of holly, aircraft plywood, and brass. The models includes all essential deck gear, furniture, armament and fittings per this ships design and later modification, e.g. two single 5-inch dual purpose gun mounts, two quad 1.1-inch gun mounts, aft port and starboard, replaced by two single 40mm AA gun mounts, four twin 40mm AA gun mounts, 18 single 20mm AA gun mounts, directors, life rafts, gun tub mounts, radar antennae, railings, ship's boats, anchors, winches, ladders, bitts, davits, funnel, masts, etc., all of brass or Britannia metal modified castings. All elements are authentically painted and camouflaged per naval practice.
Originally commissioned by MBNA Bank at a cost of $42,000 and appraised (2017) at the same value. This model was donated to the Mars & Neptune Trust by its founding president, James L. Kochan, and it is being sold without reserve, with all proceeds to benefit the Trust's research, publishing and preservation programs.
Condition Report: All lots are sold "AS IS" The condition of lots can vary widely and are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. *No credit card payments will be accepted for silver, gold, or jewelry from buyers that have not purchased from our gallery in the past.