For the US military attaining victory in World War two was very satisfying. This was especially true for the Navy. The Navy at the beginning of the war had been crippled by the attack on Pearl Harbor. However they were able to build up their forces enough by the end of the war that they posed a serious threat to the Japanese. They even played deceive roles in the Battle for the Pacific. The Japan's unconditional surrender was a sign of the Navy's strength and determination even when facing larger forces. The surrender was also special for the Navy because it occurred on the USS Missouri. From a personal account of a crewman aboard the USS Missouri great pride and honor was felt when the Missouri was chosen as the ship to hold negations. On the Missouri the first word that the Japanese were thinking about agreeing to unconditional surrender. This caused great enthusiasm aboard the ship even before the news was official. This same reaction was seen from the rest of the US Navy and allied forces around the world when the news was heard. On September 2, 1945 General MacArthur, Admiral Nimitz, and Admiral William F. Halsey met with a Japanese delegation to issue unconditional surrender. This victory against the Japanese signified the Americans strength as a military power.

*Aboard the USS Missouri on September 2nd, 1945 in Tokyo Bay for the surrender ceremony. Honorary side boy, Oswald W. Vogal, is among the band in this picture. There is a chance he is the man to the front right holding the trombone.

*Navy Officer, Oswald W. Vogel's recollection of the surrender.