Description:

World War II
n.p., n.d.
(9) Signed Japanese Surrender Photos Aboard U.S.S. Missouri, 30+ Signatures: Aviators, Pearl Harbor Survivors & More!
Archive

A collection of nine photographs depicting the Japanese surrender aboard the U.S.S. Missouri signed by decorated military personnel who served in the Pacific Theater. Ranging in size from 8" x 10" (smallest) to 14" x 11" (largest). Consisting of 32 total signatures over twenty-nine individual subjects, the majority of which include squadron members from Black Sheep (VMF-214) and AVG Flying Tigers, in addition to a number of Pearl Harbor survivors. Exhibits light creasing and handling wear throughout, otherwise near fine. Please see accompanying images for further information on contents.

Signers include:

- Frederick A. Ashworth, Bockscar weapons officer
- Henry "Boo" Bourgeois, VMF-214 Black Sheep
- Robert O. Carlson, Pearl Habor survivor aboard U.S.S. Oklahoma
- Floyd Caverly, served aboard U.S.S. Tang
- R. E. Cole, Doolittle's Raid crew 1 co-pilot
- Tom Emrich, VMF-214 Black Sheep
- Harry Ferrier, gunner during Battle of Midway
- Leon Frankel, pilot for "flying Avengers" & Navy Cross recipient
- Bill Goff, Pearl Harbor survivor aboard U.S.S. Tennessee
- Colonel Ed Harper, VMF-214 Black Sheep
- Norman T. Hatch, USMC photo officer known for combat footage
- Arthur Ray Hawkins, VF-31 squadron & 14 kill ace
- Colonel Jim Hill, VMF-214 Black Sheep x2
- Morris R. Jeppson, Enola Gay weapons test officer
- Glen A. Jenneke, Pearl Harbor survivor aboard U.S.S. Antares
- Walter Larson, Pearl Harbor survivor aboard U.S.S. Nevada
- Bruce Matheson, VMF-214 Black Sheep
- R. W. McClurg, VMF-214 Black Sheep x2
- Colonel Robert Morgan, pilot for Memphis Belle & Dauntless Dotty
- Maj. Gen. Francis W. Nye, USAF B-29 pilot
- Ed Olander, VMF-214 Black Sheep
- Charles Older, AVG Flying Tigers & 23rd Fighter Group 18 kill ace
- Russell Reetz, Pearl Habor survivor aboard U.S.S. Ward
- Bill Ritcher, Pearl Harbor survivor aboard U.S.S. Maryland
- Dick Rossi, AVG Flying Tigers
- Jack Shelley, war correspondent abord the U.S.S. Missouri
- John Strane, VF-15 squadron & 13 kill ace
- Captain Stanley W. "Swede" Vejtasa, USN and flying ace x2
- Butch Voris, VF-10 squadron

A formal surrender ceremony was held on September 2, 1945 aboard the U.S.S. Missouri, at which time officials from the Japanese government signed the Instrument of Surrender, ending hostilities with the Allies. Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu, followed by General Yoshijiro Umez, signed on behalf of the Japanese Empire, while Douglas MacArthur and Chester Nimitz signed on behalf of the allied forces. This came two weeks after Emperor Hirohito's official declaration following the atomic bomb detonations over Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

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This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 14" x 11" (largest)
  • Medium: Archive

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November 19, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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