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Naval History and Heritage Command
Naval Art from the Japanese Surrender at Tokyo Bay
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Exhibits / Conflicts and Operations / World War II /

Naval Art from the Japanese Surrender

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Japanese Surrender at Tokyo Bay

Navy Combat Artist Standish Backus was in Guam to cover its occupation when his plans changed. The Japanese surrendered. On 15 August he transferred to the Third Fleet and the 2nd Battalion of the Marine 4th Regiment. These Marines conducted the first landing of the Japanese mainland and cleared the way for the arrival of the Third Fleet at Tokyo Bay for the signing of the formal surrender of Japan. Backus accompanied the Marines on the first landing and observed the surrender ceremony on the U.S.S. Missouri. This exhibit documents what he saw in words and pictures.