Updated on March 6: This has been sold.
Dated August 15, 1945, this Naval Despatch instructs US Pacific Fleet and other forces under the commander in the Chief of the US Pacific Fleet to "cease offensive operations against the Japanese."
This is the date on which the recording of Japanese Emperor Hirohito's short speech, in which never mentioned surrender. Instead, he stated, "We have ordered our government to communicate to the governments of the United States, Great Britain, China and the Soviet Union that our empire accepts the provisions of their joint declaration."
Later in his speech he comments on the recent atomic bombs: ". . . the enemy has begun to employ a new and most cruel bomb, the power of which to do damage is, indeed, incalculable, taking the toll of many innocent lives. Should we continue to fight, not only would it result in an ultimate collapse and obliteration of the Japanese nation, but also it would lead to the total extinction of human civilization."
The speech is the time a Japanese emperor spoke to the country, albeit via a recording.
The USS Bergen was launched in the U.S. Navy between 1944 and 1946, and was stationed in the Pacific Theater for most of her World War II career. She decommissioned in 1946 in Virginia. She witnessed several air raids, including the last three of the war.
This dispatch represents a rare moment in World War II history and memorabilia as it announces the cease fire of offensive operations against the Japanese.
Includes a small 48-star flag. (There is no known connection between this small flag and USS Bergen.)
The 48-star flag was officially adopted in 1912 following the admission of New Mexico and Arizona to the Union. It remained the official flag through WWI, WWII, and the Korean War, until Alaska gained statehood in 1959, adding the 49th star.
In a high-quality metal frame with museum-grade acrylic that is non-glare and that protects the document and flag from UV rays.
Size of dispatch: 6.5" x 7.75"
Size of frame: 13" x 14.5"
Shipping: $20. Please allow one week for shipping.
