08/10/2026
, August 10, 1945, the Empire of Japan transmitted to the United States an offer to surrender and end the Second World War. While that surrender was not announced to the Japanese people or in effect until August 15th and the surrender was not signed until September 2nd - days which are more widely remembered as "V-J Day" - the news that the war could finally be over spread rapidly across the Pacific.
On the evening of August 10, the crew of USS TEXAS (BB-35) was sitting down to watch the new movie "Incendiary Blonde" about the famous actress and speakeasy owner “Texas” Guinan. Before they could get started, an announcement was made on board that Japan had agreed to surrender. Captain Charles Baker - who had commanded TEXAS through her entire time in the Pacific, as well as the Invasions of Normandy and Southern France - gave a short speech, before turning the ship over to the crew.
"The TEXAS has been like a home to me, and I am truly proud of the men who made her that way. The people back home say the Navy is made of iron, but really and truly it is you men. The men of the TEXAS are made of iron. My heart has been with, and will remain with, the TEXAS and you men.
.. I was kind of sorry to receive my orders this morning, and that I would have to leave you before the war was over, but now that this has happened, I can always say that we saw it through together, and to the end! And we've been through a lot, and have seen some blood and thunder together.
I again say that the ship is yours tonight, and you can do all the yelling and howling you want to." -Captain Charles Baker
📸: Men celebrating the end of the Second World War in the Combat Information Center aboard TEXAS on August 10, 1945. Courtesy of Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.
