What is the meaning of the symbols painted on the USS Missouri bridge on 2 September 1945? Why is the American Flag backwards?
Shown is a 16" Gun mount with four pictures of the Japanese homeland including Mt Fuji. This represents the four bombbardments made by Missouri's 16" guns. Next are eleven Japanese flags indicating the eleven planes shot down. In the center are a five inch gun mount and the Missuri Mule kicking ass. This flag is indeed in the U.S. Naval Academy Museum collection and it is currently on public exhibition in the Museum in the section of the first gallery devoted to Commodore Perry and the Japan Expedition. In 1913, this flag underwent conservation treatment by a professional textile conservator which included mounting the flag onto a piece of linen so that when it was exhibited the weight of the fabric would be evenly distributed. This treatment meant that the only way the flag could be properly displayed was in the vertical position rather than horizontal. In 1945, this flag was removed from exhibit in the Museum, placed in a glass covered exhibit box, and shipped out to USS Missouri. It
was hung on the bulk head of the battleship in the vicinity of the
Japanese surrender ceremony, but for some reason, probably space limitations, it was displayed in the horizontal position so that it was backward. It could have been exhibited correctly if it had been hung vertically with the canton (Stars) in the upper left.
Letter of commendation presented to Cmdr John G. Spangler for meritorious conduct after the Kamikaze attack on Missouri on 11 April 1945.
Deck Log written by the OOD on September 2, 1945, the day of the Surrender Signing aboard the Mighty Mo.
Deck Log written by the OOD on September 2, 1945, the day of the Surrender Signing aboard the Mighty Mo.
The typed up plan of the day for the Japanese signing of the surrender laid out by time and signed by Commander H.B. Lyon.
ALL BATTLE RIBBONS AND STARS FROM 1944 TO 1992
