Ordeal of the USS Houston by Jack Fellows

Torpedo-equipped Imperial Japanese Army Ki-76 "Peggy" bombers attack the USS Houston, CL-81 at sunset on 14 October, 1944 off the coast of Formosa. One aerial torpedo found its mark, seriously damaging the Houston, beginning an ordeal that included being hit by another aerial torpedo two days later as the heavily damaged ship was under tow by the Navy tug Pawnee, which was attempting to tow the Houston to the US Navy fleet anchorage at Ulithi Atoll. Fifty-five of the ship's complement were killed and many wounded during their epic struggle to save their ship. After making the Ulithi anchorage and undergoing temporary repairs, the Houston, winner of three Battle Stars, continued on to the New York Navy Yard for final repairs. CL-81 was the second US Navy cruiser to bear the name "Houston", the first was lost in a fierce naval battle off Guadalcanal in 1942.

The painting is the book-cover art for "Bakudan To Ka" the Illustrated History of Japanese Heavy Bombardment Groups 1910-1945 by Dr. Yasuho Izawa.