The Only Color Footage of the Japanese Surrender Aboard the USS Missouri on September 2, 1945

Aboard the USS Missouri 75 years ago, Navy Commander George Kosco shot the only color footage of the formal Japanese surrender  His son, Colonel William Kosco, will join our program Wednesday night to discuss his efforts to restore the film and make it available to the public, as well as talk a bit about his father’s wide-ranging career. During WWII, Commander Kosco was Admiral “Bull” Halsey’s Fleet “Aerologist” (Navy-speak for meteorologist). On September 2, 1945, he borrowed a camera from Chief Petty Officer (and Hollywood actor) Leif Erickson and shot the footage from his perch on the Navigation Deck of the Missouri.

Here are just a few remarkable photos and artifacts that Bill will share with us from his father’s collection. Check out the items from the “Victory Dinner” on August 16, the day after the Japanese first signaled their surrender. “Soup a la Hirohito” and “U.S. Victory Cake” are two of the celebratory dishes served.
The photo of the staff discussion with Japanese officers about safe navigation in Tokyo Bay reminds me of the many former sailors who’ve told me over the years that one of the most frightening moments of the war was being piloted into Tokyo Bay by Japanese harbor masters. These veterans said they didn’t trust the enemy to guide them safely and were sure they would be led into a mine. Only when safely anchored did these American sailors realize the war was truly over.

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Photo 1: Adm W. F. Halsey, 3rd Fleet Commander, with his Fleet Aerologist and Navigator, Commander George F. Kosco; Photo 2: The 16 August 1945 Victory Dinner attendees and menu; Photo 3: Prior to 27 August, Adm Halsey’s staff discussing entry unit information and safe approaches to Tokyo Harbor with Japanese officers; Photo 4. Official 3rd Fleet Communique that surrender documents have been signed.

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