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First American Flag to Fly over Japan

Quartermaster Museum, Fort Lee, Virginia

STATEMENT OF INSCRIPTION

 

This Flag is the first American Flag to fly over Japan at the cessation of hostilities in World War Two.

 

This Banner was made and raised by American Prisoners of War on the Island of Mukaishima, Japan, during the month of August, 1945, before any American Forces had landed on Japanese soil.

 

Material used to make this Flag was from red, white and blue parachutes used to drop food and medical supplies to the prisoners.

 

This Flag was completed on August 18, 1945, and at 11:00am on that day, the Japanese colors were lowered and this Flag was raised. Sgt. Omtvedt, assisted by Cpl. Branum and Sgt. Bussell, had been delegated this honor by Major Ralph T. Artman, Medical Corps, United States Army, ranking American officer amongst the prisoners. The strains of “To the Colors” blown on a Japanese bugle, accompanied the ceremony conducted before the assembled group of prisoners. The Flag was thereafter raised daily until the liberation of the Americans.
H.P.8.1.52 Flag, American 9 July 1952
Flag, American
Size: 41 x 130
Material: Made of red, white and blue nylon parachutes.
Source:

Donated by Clifford M. Omtvedt, 1703 Laurel Avenue, Eau Claire, Wisconsin in letter dated 5 July 1952.
History:

Raised by American Prisoners of War on Island of Mukaishima, Japan, during month of August 1945. Flag completed August 18, and at 11 a.m. on that day, the Japanese colors were lowered and flag raised.
Condition: fair (spotted and discolored) 5/21/63 /initialed/
Location:  
H.P.8.1.52 Flag, American 9 July 1952
H.P.8.2.52 Bugle, Japanese 9 July 1952
Bugle, Japanese
Source:

Donated by Clifford M. Omtvedt, 1703 Laurel Avenue, Eau Claire, Wisconsin in letter dated 5 July 1952.
History:

Used in original flag raising ceremony (see: H.P.8.1.52) by American Prisoners of War on Island of Mukaishima, Japan during month of August 1945.
Condition: fair
Size: L 11-1/2 - Bell diam. 4-1/2
Location:  
H.P.8.2.52 Bugle, Japanese 9 July 1952