Description:

GEN. ROBERT C. RICHARDSON TOKYO BAY JAPANESE SURRENDER GROUPING
Historic grouping of items from the Gen. Robert C. Richardson, Jr. estate concerning the formal Japanese ceremonies aboard the USS MISSOURI in Tokyo Bay on Sep. 2, 1945. The grouping includes an incredibly rare card bearing a printed image of the Japanese naval flag, 3 1/2" x 2 1/2", dated Sep. 2, 1945 and signed by Gen. JONATHAN WAINWRIGHT (1883-1953), also signed by Richardson certifying the presence of Richardson aboard the MISSOURI "...at the formal surrender of the Japanese forces to the Allied Powers...". Also: a presentation leather-bound photograph album which family history indicates was distributed by Gen. Douglas MacArthur to top generals who served under him, contains 46 5" x 4" and larger photos with typed captions depicting the Tokyo and Korea surrender ceremonies, destruction at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Army entry into Tokyo, MacArthur meeting with Hirohito, "Tokyo Rose" and other war criminals, Japanese landmarks, etc.; Richardson's typed diary of events leading up to an including the surrender, 13pp. 8vo., Sep. 7, 1945 with startling content describing how Nimitz, passed over as Supreme Commander, snubbed Army generals and even other top admirals, refusing to invite them to the surrender, MacArthur's comments stating that Eisenhower did not support the Army, infighting over control of bases in the Pacific, alteration of intelligence reports concerning the possibility of an attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941 in order to condemn George Marshall, treatment of Wainwright while in captivity, and a very detailed description of the actual surrender ceremony including the shabby dress of the Japanese envoys and MacArthur's emotional delivery of a speech. Also: an 8pp. 14" x 19 1/2" printed copy of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender with facsimile signatures, along with copies and translations of three edicts signed by Hirohito accepting the order contained within the Potsdam Declaration and appointing his emissaries to sign the surrender. This is likely the first printing of these documents as they bear a handwritten note from Gen. JULIUS KLEIN (1901-1984) who handled public relations for MacArthur and Richardson: "Suggest you have reprints made - and send them with a letter to your friends...as you were a member of the official party. This will be a treasured souvenir. Include your newspaper friends...". Some dampstaining at center fold. Rounding out this fine lot is the signed flight log for Richardson's flight to Tokyo on his aircraft "Swift Arrow", 1p. 4to., [John Rodgers Airfield, Sep. 3, 1945] signed by the navigator, and 12 8" x 10" Signal Corps photos of the surrender proceedings. A highly important grouping.

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September 9, 2014 11:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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