Chester Nimitz signed Japan’s surrender document as the American representative after Douglas MacArthur.
Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz signed on behalf of the United States during the ceremony aboard USS Missouri. Douglas MacArthur had already signed as Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, making Nimitz the next American signatory.
Nimitz had commanded the U.S. Pacific Fleet during the war and directed major campaigns across the central Pacific. His responsibilities included operations at Midway, Guadalcanal, the Marianas, and the advance toward Japan.
Nimitz’s role is sometimes confused with that of Admiral William Halsey, who commanded the U.S. Third Fleet in the waters around Japan. Halsey was present in the broader naval force but did not sign the surrender instrument.