Chester W. Nimitz

Chester William Nimitz (February 24, 1885 – February 20, 1966), fleet admiral of the United States Navy, authentic, autographed photograph taken on the battleship USS “Missouri” as he signed the Instrument of Surrender of Japan – inscribed to Myron L. Boardman of Prentice Hall, publishers of four Nimitz books about naval action in World War II.

Signed “To Myron L. Boardman – with best wishes, / C.W. Nimitz, Fleet Admiral, USN”, on photographic surface in lower blank margin. 9 x 7.5 inch image, overall 13.5 x 10.5 inches; complete with original frame for a finished size of 14.5 x 11.5 inches. 

On the morning of September 2, 1945, more than two weeks after accepting the Allies’ terms, Japan formally surrendered. The ceremonies, less than half an hour long, took place on board the battleship USS “Missouri,” anchored with other United States and British ships in Tokyo Bay. In this photograph, as the United States Representative, Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, USN, signs the Instrument of Surrender. Standing directly behind him are (left-to-right): General of the Army Douglas MacArthur, Admiral William F. Halsey, USN, and Rear Admiral Forrest Sherman, USN.

Myron L. Boardman (1914-1988) was a publisher at Prentice Hall, publishers of “Sea Power: A Naval History,” “Great Sea War: Story of Naval Action in World War II,” “Triumph In The Atlantic – The Naval Struggle against the Axis,” and “Triumph in the Pacific – The Navy's Struggle against Japan,” each co-edited by Fleet Admiral Nimitz.

In very good condition; ink slightly sunned, still with very good contrast.