V-J Day

President Harry Truman announced that Japan had surrendered unconditionally, ending World War II. Japan accepted the provisions of the Potsdam Declaration and agreed to surrender. At 0540, after Admiral Halsey received word from Pacific Fleet Commander in Chief Admiral Nimitz, all air strikes were recalled. At 1100, battle flags were broken out, all ships flew their largest ensigns, blew whistles and sirens. Missouri blew a whistle that was ear shattering and really added to the celebration when it stuck and continued to toot until minor repairs were made. At 1109 Admiral Halsey’s personal flag was hoisted at foremast of the Mighty Mo. Minutes later, the CAP shot down a lone Japanese plane diving at one of the groups. Admiral Halsey sent out the following message to Task Force 38. “All snoopers will be investigated and shot down, not vindictively, but in a friendly sort of way”. In a recorded radio message, Emperor Hirohito called upon his people to “bear the Unbearable” and lay down their arms. In the US, VJ Day coincided with the end of rationing of gasoline and canned goods.