Which 1853–1854 U.S. naval expedition’s flag was displayed at Japan’s 1945 surrender ceremony?

Matthew Perry’s 1853–1854 expedition supplied the historic U.S. flag displayed at Japan’s 1945 surrender ceremony.

A 31-star American flag associated with Commodore Matthew Perry’s expedition was brought from the U.S. Naval Academy for display aboard USS Missouri. Perry had led the U.S. Navy’s East India Squadron into Japanese waters, helping force the opening of Japan to American trade through the Convention of Kanagawa in 1854.

The flag created a deliberate historical contrast. Perry’s expedition had marked the beginning of a new relationship between the United States and Japan, while the Missouri ceremony marked the end of a devastating war between the two countries. The flag was displayed with its reverse side visible because of its fragile condition and protective backing.

Another American flag was also present, but the commonly repeated claim that it had flown over the White House during the Pearl Harbor attack is incorrect. The Perry flag is preserved at the U.S. Naval Academy, while a replica is displayed on Missouri at Pearl Harbor.