Graff, Harmon L., 1926-2005
Biography
Harmon Levon Graff, September 28, 1926 – January 19, 2005, served in the United States Navy during World War II, enlisting on August 15, 1944. He first reported aboard the USS Nevada on December 20, 1944 and by March 31, 1945, he held the rank of Seaman Second Class (V-6). While on the Nevada, Graff participated in mine-clearing operations in the North China Sea to support the USS Missouri’s safe entry into Tokyo Bay for the signing of the Japanese surrender on September 2, 1945.
After the war, Graff developed a decades-long hobby of locating, corresponding with, and collecting photographs, ephemera, and signatures from as many individuals as possible who were present on the Missouri during the surrender ceremony.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
Harmon L. Graff Collection
The Harmon L. Graff Collection documents the experiences of U.S. and Allied military personnel who were present at the Japanese surrender ceremony aboard the USS Missouri on September 2, 1945, as well as Graff’s postwar efforts to identify, contact, and obtain autographs and written attestations from those who witnessed the event. Materials span mounted photographs, signed portraits, autographs, notes, correspondence, newsletters, and commemorative items.