George Mendonsa & Great Friedman Signed 4x6 Photograph WWII VJ Day Kissing Sailor & Nurse - Gem Mint 10 Auto (PSA)

**Hand Signed 4x6 Photograph by WWII V-J Day Kissing Sailor George Mendonsa and Greta Friedman — Encapsulated by PSA/DNA, Autographs Graded Gem Mint 10**

Presented for auction is an iconic **4x6 photograph** hand signed in bold permanent marker by **George Mendonsa**, the U.S. Navy sailor immortalized in one of the most enduring images of World War II, and **Greta Friedman**, the woman he spontaneously kissed in Times Square on **V-J Day**. This signed photograph is **encapsulated by PSA/DNA Authentication Services**, with both autographs earning a prestigious **Gem Mint 10** grade, denoting perfect signature quality and preservation.

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### **Biographies of the Signers:**

**George Mendonsa**

George Mendonsa was a U.S. Navy sailor who served aboard the USS The Sullivans during World War II. On August 14, 1945, while on shore leave in New York City, Mendonsa was swept up in the celebration following the announcement of Japan's surrender. In a moment of pure joy, he embraced and kissed a woman in a nurse’s uniform — an image captured by famed photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt and later published in *Life* magazine. Though unidentified for decades, Mendonsa was confirmed as the "Kissing Sailor" through forensic facial recognition in later years.

**Greta Friedman**

Greta Friedman, a dental assistant in uniform mistaken by many for a nurse, was the woman spontaneously kissed by Mendonsa in the iconic photograph. She was later identified and embraced her place in history as part of the living memory of America’s victory celebration at the end of the Second World War. Friedman would reflect on the moment not as romantic but as an expression of relief and elation marking the war’s end.

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### **About the V-J Day Kissing Sailor Photograph:**

Captured in Times Square on **Victory over Japan Day (V-J Day)** — August 14, 1945 — the photograph titled *"V-J Day in Times Square"* became an indelible symbol of American joy, sacrifice, and relief. Published in *Life* magazine, it encapsulated the end of a global conflict and the beginning of a new era. The photo has since become one of the most reproduced and recognized images in the world.

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### **Item Details:**

- **Photograph Size**: 4" x 6"

- **Signers**: George Mendonsa and Greta Friedman

- **Ink**: Signed in permanent marker

- **Authentication**: Encapsulated by **PSA/DNA Authentication Services**

- **Autograph Grade**: Both signatures graded **Gem Mint 10**

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This extraordinary signed and encapsulated photograph is a museum-quality artifact representing one of the most powerful and romanticized moments of 20th-century American history. Featuring perfect **Gem Mint 10** signatures from both participants, it is an essential acquisition for collectors of WWII memorabilia, historic photography, and Americana.

A portion of the sale of this auction will be donated to the General James. H Doolittle Scholarship Fund. The General James H. Doolittle Scholarship Fund was founded to assist college students by awarding one scholarship annually in the maximum amount of $5,000 to a deserving student who is pursuing a baccalaureate or advanced degree in aeronautical engineering or an aerospace science. Students are selected based on their scholastic achievement, school and community participation, demonstrated leadership potential and financial need. More information can be found at the Doolittle Scholarship Funds’ website.

The autograph(s) has been authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA for authenticity purposes.

Authentication: PSA Encapsulated

Due to the uniqueness of each item, please refer to the photos provided in this auction. We offer high resolution images of each item rather than a written description of condition.

This item is being shipped from the Pristine Auction warehouse.