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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
901 M STREET SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060

Online Library of Selected Images:
-- EVENTS -- World War II in the Pacific --
Japan Capitulates --

Reactions to Japan's Capitulation, August 1945
-- Victory celebrations in the Pacific, 14-15 August 1945

This page presents views of celebrations in the Pacific Ocean area on 14-15 August 1945, following the announcement that Japan had capitulated.

For links to other images of Victory celebrations in August 1945, see:
Reactions to Japan's Capitulation, August 1945 -- Getting the "Word"

For views of other aspects of Japan's surrender, see: Japan Capitulates, August - September 1945

If you want higher resolution reproductions than the Online Library's digital images, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."

Click on the small photograph to prompt a larger view of the same image.

Photo #: NH 62897

Surrender of Japan, 1945


Pyrotechnic display in Leyte Gulf, Philippines, in celebration of the end of World War II, 15 August 1945.
Note men watching the show from the mast crosstrees in the upper right foreground.

Collection of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 87KB; 740 x 490 pixels

 

Photo #: NH 62595

Surrender of Japan, 1945


Ships in Leyte Gulf, Philippines, celebrate the news of peace with a pyrotechnic display, 15 August 1945.
Ship in the right middle distance is USS LST-1044.

Collection of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 66KB; 740 x 485 pixels

 

Photo #: NH 62594

Surrender of Japan, 1945


Ships in Leyte Gulf, Philippines, firing pyrotechnic flares to celebrate the news that Japan had accepted Allied terms, 15 August 1945.

Collection of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 71B; 740 x 500 pixels

 

Photo #: 80-G-377111

Surrender of Japan, 1945


USS Bougainville (CVE-100) crewmen celebrate after listening to the announcement of Japan's surrender, 14 August 1945. Their ship was then transporting aircraft to the central Pacific.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 89KB; 740 x 610 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

 

Photo #: 80-G-343608

Surrender of Japan, 1945


Crew members on USS Wileman (DE-22) celebrate upon hearing of Japan's acceptance of surrender terms, circa 15 August 1945.
Photographer was from Naval Air Station, Ebeye Island, Kwajalein.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 103KB; 740 x 610 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

 

Photo #: 80-G-338470

Peace Celebrations at Naval Amphibious Base, Manus, Admiralty Islands, 15 August 1945


Members of the 22nd Special Naval Construction Battalion cheering news of Japan's acceptance of peace terms.
Note sign: "War is over! Good-Bye Pacific. Hello USA".

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 126KB; 740 x 600 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

 

Photo #: 80-G-366832

USS Monterey (CVL-26)


Flies an extra-large U.S. Ensign on the day news was received of Japan's surrender, 15 August 1945. Monterey was then operating off Japan.
Note antennas on the carrier's foremast, including a "YE" homing beacon antenna at the masthead.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 80KB; 740 x 610 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

 

Photo #: NH 75348

USS Sanctuary (AH-17)


Commander William VanC. Brandt, USNR, Commanding Officer, welcomes "King Neptune", the King's Royal Court and "Davey Jones" on board in mid-Pacific for the trial of "Public Enemy Number One" and a V-J Day celebration, 15 August 1945.
Note life rafts at top, marked with hospital ship red crosses and green stripes.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 106KB; 740 x 615 pixels

 

For links to other images of Victory celebrations in August 1945, see:
Reactions to Japan's Capitulation, August 1945 -- Getting the "Word"

For views of other aspects of Japan's surrender, see: Japan Capitulates, August - September 1945



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New picture added 7 March 1999