Existing comment:
2 September 1945
A common mess table from Missouri's enlisted mess became the stage for the final act of the war in the Pacific. The green cloth is from the battleship's wardroom. HMS Duke of York provided the chair used during the ceremony. The pen belonged to Fleet Admiral Nimitz.
The khaki uniform was worn by Fleet Adm Chester W Nimitz during the surrender ceremony. Fleet Admiral Nimitz used the flag and binoculars during the war.
-- Uniform donated by Fleet Admiral Nimitz, binoculars donated by Mr Paul S Warren
Much of the exterior decks of the American battleships was covered with teak which was scrubbed almost daily to keep it spotless. The wood decking within this case was removed from the Missouri when she was recommissioned in the 1980's. Although it is unlikely that it covered the deck where the surrender was signed, it was on the ship at that time.
Vice Admiral Okochi commanded Japan's naval forces in the Philippines at the end of the war. In an age-old custom, Okochi surrendered his sword to the victors.
-- Donated by Gen Douglas MacArthur
After the war, several identical circular plaques were made to be placed in Missouri's deck to mark the location of the surrender. Today, one is on board Missouri, moored at Pearl Harbor.
On the table are copies of the Instrument of Surrender signed by Allied and Japanese representatives, and the deck log of the USS Missouri for the morning of 2 September 1945. |