V-J Day 1945: Celebrating the End of World War II

Unfinished History

When the Japanese surrendered in August, 1945, a raucous celebration began in San Francisco that didn't end for three days. As the booze flowed and the party continued, violence broke out and dozens were injured.


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Bonfire on Market Street, August 15, 1945.

Photo: San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library

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Another view of bonfires on Market Street.

Photo: provenance unknown


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Intersection of Market and Mason, August 18, 1945.

Photo: San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library

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Riotous celebrations in San Francisco and Redwood City, California as soldiers, sailors and civilians celebrate the end of World War II.

Video: Prelinger Archives


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Crowd overturns newspaper delivery truck, August 15, 1945.

Photo: San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library

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The USS Monterey returning to Pier 15 with homebound troops, October 19, 1945.

Photo: San Francisco Maritime National History Museum, P82-019A_4267

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The USS Monterey returning to Pier 15 with homebound troops, October 19, 1945.

Photo: San Francisco Maritime National History Museum, P82-019A_4266