| Original caption: “General Dwight D. Eisenhower makes a ‘V for Victory’ with two pens used for the signing of Germany’s unconditional surrender at Reims, France.” From left to right: Soviet Red Army Ivan A. Susloparov (October 19, 1897 – December 16, 1974), partially obscured, signed with the understanding that any Allied power could request another surrender ceremony; he later received orders not to sign, but it was too late. He signed using the French transliteration of his name. United Kingdom Lieutenant General Sir Frederick E. Morgan (February 5, 1894 – March 19, 1967), partially obscured, Deputy Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF). Morgan had been involved in planning for the invasion of Europe since March 1943, as Chief of Staff to the Supreme Allied Commander Designate (COSSAC), and chose to stay with SHAEF. United States Army General Walter B. “Beetle” Smith (October 5, 1895 – August 9, 1961), Chief of Staff, SHAEF, negotiated the signing of the Instrument of Surrender and signed on behalf of Eisenhower. While he was known for his gruff exterior – he was Eisenhower’s “hatchet man” – he was a skilled diplomat and negotiator. LIFE photographer Ralph Morse (October 23, 1917 – December 7, 2014) was the youngest war correspondent at Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF). He traveled through Europe and the Pacific. After the war, he was LIFE’s technical photographer for the Apollo missions. United States Navy Captain Harry C. Butcher (November 1, 1901 – April 20, 1985), aide to Eisenhower. Captain Kay Summersby (November 23, 1908 – January 20, 1975), Eisenhower’s official driver, appears partially obscured behind General Smith. Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF), United States Army General Dwight D. “Ike” Eisenhower (October 14, 1890 – March 28, 1969) made the “V of Victory” with the 2 Parker pens that were used to sign the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany. United States Navy Captain Harry C. Butcher (November 1, 1901 – April 20, 1985), partially obscured, aide to Eisenhower. Captain Butcher is seen handing General Eisenhower the surrender pens. United Kingdom Royal Air Force Marshal Sir Arthur Tedder (July 11, 1890 – June 3, 1967), Deputy Supreme Commander at SHAEF, was present at Rheims and then flew to Berlin the next day to sign the Nazi German Instrument of Surrender at the Soviet ceremony in Berlin. Another photo, actually taken 1st, was the picture that was released internationally for publication. That photo included Soviet General Susloparov’s face, but did not show Summersby. See wwii0872.jpg. | |
| Image Filename | wwii0901.jpg |
| Image Size | 271.60 KB |
| Image Dimensions | 1490 x 1544 |
| Photographer | Ralph Morse |
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| Caption Author | Written or Adapted by Jason McDonald |
| Date Photographed | May 7, 1945 |
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| Country | France |
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| Status | Caption ©2026 MFA Productions LLC Please Do Not Duplicate or Distribute Without Permission; Image in the Public Domain |
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