Which American admiral signed Japan’s Instrument of Surrender immediately after Douglas MacArthur?

Chester W. Nimitz signed Japan’s Instrument of Surrender immediately after Douglas MacArthur. Nimitz signed as the representative of the United States.

Nimitz was Fleet Admiral and Commander in Chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas during the war. His forces directed major naval campaigns across the Pacific, including the battles of Midway, the Philippine Sea, and Leyte Gulf. His presence represented the United States Navy and the wider American war effort.

MacArthur signed first on behalf of the Allied powers as Supreme Commander. Nimitz then signed for the United States, after which representatives of China, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, Australia, Canada, France, the Netherlands, and New Zealand signed.

Nimitz’s role is often confused with MacArthur’s because both were the most prominent American commanders in the Pacific. MacArthur chaired the ceremony and accepted the surrender; Nimitz was the first national representative to sign after him.