[World War II] Passionate Pacific Theater Manuscript Naval Dispatch, August 15, 1945

"Sea off Japan", USS San Diego, August 15, 1945. Single sheet, 6 1/2 x 8 in. (165 x 203 mm). Manuscript naval dispatch in pencil received from Admiral William F. Halsey, Jr., Commander of the Third Fleet. Reads, in part: "Rec'd morning of Aug. 15. Wed. 45. ab sea off Japan with 3rd. flt. The Nip officers are still fighting X That means we are still facing an enemy that hates our carriers like the devil hates holy water X Until the Nips surrender and are disarmed they are dangerous and need killing X The best present insurance for our forces and a future insurance for peace is to carry it to them with everything we have X Carry on X Halsey..." Creasing from old folds.

A passionate Pacific Theater Naval dispatch, sent on the day of Japan's surrender. The USS San Diego, an Atlanta-class light anti-aircraft cruiser, was one of the most decorated United States ships in World War II (awarded 18 battle stars), and on August 27 was the first major Allied warship to enter Tokyo Bay after the surrender of Japan. Japan's surrender was announced by Japanese Emperor Hirohito later the same day that the San Diego received the present dispatch from Third Fleet commander Admiral William F. Halsey, Jr., on August 15, 1945. The official surrender of Japan would take place on September 2, aboard the Third Fleet flagship, Iowa-class battleship USS Missouri.

This lot is located in Philadelphia.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

How History Unfolds on Paper: Important Americana from the Eric C. Caren Collection, Part X

[World War II] Passionate Pacific Theater Manuscript Naval Dispatch, August 15, 1945

How History Unfolds on Paper: Important Americana from the Eric C. Caren Collection, Part X

[World War II] Passionate Pacific Theater Manuscript Naval Dispatch, August 15, 1945

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup