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Admiral Nimitz signing the Instruments of Surrender aboard the USS Missouri

Admiral Nimitz signing the Instruments of Surrender aboard the USS Missouri
Usage Conditions Apply
Artist
Arthur B. Rickerby, 15 Mar 1921 - 2 Aug 1972
Sitter
Chester William Nimitz, 24 Feb 1885 - 20 Feb 1966
Douglas MacArthur, 26 Jan 1880 - 5 Apr 1964
William Frederick Halsey, Jr., 30 Oct 1882 - 16 Aug 1959
Forrest Percival Sherman, 1896 - 1951
Date
September 2, 1945
Type
Photograph
Medium
Gelatin silver print on paper
Dimensions
Image/Sheet: 26.2 x 33.5cm (10 5/16 x 13 3/16")
Mount: 50.8 x 40.7cm (20 x 16")
Topic
Home Furnishings\Furniture\Seating\Chair
Costume\Headgear\Military
Costume\Headgear\Hat\Cap
Printed Material\Papers
Equipment\Sound Devices\Microphone
Exterior\Ship
Equipment\Drafting & Writing Implements\Writing implement\Pen
Home Furnishings\Furniture\Desk
Human Figures\Soldier
Costume\Dress Accessory\Button\Brass
Human Figures
William Frederick Halsey, Jr.: Male
William Frederick Halsey, Jr.: Military and Intelligence\Navy\Officer\Admiral
William Frederick Halsey, Jr.: Military and Intelligence\Navy\Officer\World War II
Forrest Percival Sherman: Male
Forrest Percival Sherman: Military and Intelligence\Navy\Officer
Chester William Nimitz: Male
Chester William Nimitz: Education and Scholarship\Administrator\University administrator\University trustee
Chester William Nimitz: Military and Intelligence\Navy\Officer\Admiral
Chester William Nimitz: Politics and Government\Diplomat\Ambassador\United Nations
Chester William Nimitz: Military and Intelligence\Navy\Officer\World War II
Douglas MacArthur: Male
Douglas MacArthur: Military and Intelligence\Army\Officer\General
Douglas MacArthur: Congressional Gold Medal
Portrait
Place
Nihon\Kanto\Tokyo Bay
Credit Line
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Copyright
© Arthur B. Rickerby
Object number
NPG.2004.36
Exhibition Label
Photojournalist Arthur Rickerby, just twenty-four years old, took this photograph on the deck of the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945. Admiral Chester Nimitz (1885–1966), who had been commander in chief of the Pacific Ocean Area, was signing the Japanese articles of surrender for the United States. The Japanese delegation had already signed, as had General Douglas MacArthur (standing, left), for the Allies. Standing to the right of MacArthur are Admiral William Halsey and Rear Admiral Forrest Sherman. All four men held crucial leadership roles in the Pacific theater of World War II, but it was MacArthur who delivered the closing remarks on this historic day, marking the end of World War II, noting, “It is my earnest hope . . . that from this solemn occasion a better world shall emerge.”
Data Source
National Portrait Gallery
Location
Currently not on view