VICTORY OVER JAPAN (V-J) DAY - World War II
On 2 September 1945, the Empire of Japan formally surrendered to the Allies, or "United Nations," in a ceremony conducted aboard the battleship USS MISOSOURI in Tokyo Harbor. Although the Japanese government notified the Allies of its acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration Defining Terms for Japanese Surrender Accord on 15 August, the instrument of surrender documents were not signed until this date. The proceeding brought an official end to World War II.
Designated as the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers in the Pacific (SCAP) for the occupation of Japan, General of the Army Douglas MacArthur signed the "instrument of surrender," on behalf of the United Nations, and declared, "It is my earnest hope and indeed the hope of all mankind that from this solemn occasion a better world shall emerge out of the blood and carnage of the past.” Ten more signatures were made, by representatives of the United States, China, Britain, the Soviet Union, Australia, Canada, France, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, respectively. U.S. Navy Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz signed for the United States. When the 20-minute-long ceremony ended, the last true world war, and most devastating armed conflict in history, was officially declared over.
- Whether they served in the Army Ground Forces, Army Air Forces or Army Service Forces, we honor and remember the 11 million American Soldiers who defended freedom and defeated fascism and tyranny 75 years ago.
- Operations in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater demonstrated the U.S. Army’s capacity then as now to fight anywhere, anytime in the most adverse conditions to achieve victory.
- For 75 years the U.S. Army has demonstrated that former enemies could become friends united in the pursuit of freedom for all people.
DID YOU KNOW
- Of the 91 U.S. Army divisions during World War II, 88 were deployed to combat theaters, with 22 in the Pacific Theater.
- U.S. Army soldiers who served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater fought on large islands and small, as well as on the mainland of Asia.
- The U.S. Army remained in Japan after the end of World War II, first as an occupying force, but then an ally and partner in the defense of a free Asia.
General of the Army Douglas MacArthur signs the surrender document on behalf of the Allies, or United nations, NARA
General of the Army Douglas MacArthur signs the surrender document on behalf of the Allies, or United nations, NARA
Instrument of Surrender Documents, the U.S. copy, NARA