Which senior U.S. naval officer signed Japan’s 1945 surrender instrument for the United States?

Chester W. Nimitz signed Japan’s 1945 surrender instrument for the United States.

Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz signed the document on behalf of the United States during the ceremony aboard USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945. General Douglas MacArthur signed first for the Allied powers, and Nimitz followed as the U.S. representative.

Nimitz had served as Commander in Chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas during much of the Pacific War. He directed major naval operations after the attack on Pearl Harbor, including campaigns that shifted the strategic balance in favor of the Allies. His command included the Battle of Midway and the later island campaigns.

Nimitz’s signature should not be confused with MacArthur’s. MacArthur presided over the ceremony and signed for the Allied nations, while Nimitz represented the United States. The document also included representatives from China, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, Australia, Canada, France, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.