The iconic 1945 photograph of a sailor locked in a passionate kiss with a nurse in New York City’s Times Square may not mean anything to the younger generation, some of who may not have seen the picture at all, until now.
But to the baby boomers and those born immediately thereafter, this was an inspiring and exhilarating image as it marked the end of World War II and, therefore, a momentous event in U.S. history.
The photo was taken by LIFE photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt in the midst of an impromptu, but wild celebration, after hearing somebody shout that “The war is over!” Eisenstaedt, in his excitement, failed to get the couple’s names.
The black and white photo became the cover of the August 27, 1945 issue of LIFE magazine and it became the most reproduced during that time.
While the identities remained a mystery, at the same time it also became a subject of disputes as many came forward claiming it was them.
George Mendonsa, now
Not until a new book, ‘The Kissing Sailor’ by George Galdorisi and co-authored by Lawrence Verrie that they were able to finally solve the puzzle by revealing 89-year-olds George Mendonsa and Greta Zimmer Friedman as the couple that caught the attention of the world following Japan’s surrender.
According to the authors, Mendonsa was on a date with his girlfriend, Rita Petry, at Radio City Music Hall on that August day. He was on leave after surviving battles in the Pacific and visiting friends cared for by nurses in the hospital.
Galdorisi said that, ‘In the emotion and exhilaration of someone announcing “The war was over,” Mendonsa streamed out of Radio City Music Hall bound and determined to kiss the first nurse he encountered.’
Greta Zimmer Friedman, now
That is when he is said to have encountered Greta.
‘The people didn’t say, “Hi, my name is.” They just went their separate ways after the kiss,’ Galdorisi said.
Rita Petry later became Mendonsa’s wife and settled in Rhode Island.
Greta Friedman now lives in Maryland, according to the authors.
It’s great to see that a positive identification of the kissing couple has finally been made.It looks like the gentleman only lives a couple of hours away from me.It’s a shame that,in this case,and so many others events that occur…..you have so many people that claim that they were the ones.They never make things easy with their false claims.Controversy always follows,and sometimes the mystery never gets solved.This looks like a closed case and a happy ending.I’m glad the mystery was solved while the couple is still alive.Hopefully,they will be able to close the books on Amelia Earhardt one of these days….real soon.
I remember very well the photo growing up in Leyte when my father had a subscription of LIFE magazine. What National Geographic is now, LIFE was then. Just like the POST magazine then, we all had fun viewing the interesting pictures inside. Yes, I do hope too that something concrete could be found that will relate to Amelia’s disappearance and put closure to it.
Ayup…..Those are some great magazines.Unfortunately,over here,when you’re in the check out line at a store,the magazines on display are ones like The National Enquirer and People Magazine.I guess folks are more interested in what Brittnay Spears and Paris Hilton are up to.
Not much different here. But that’s what you see all over the world now, I guess. People’s interest have changed. Gossip-mongers abound and publishers are feeding them what earns them the most.
At last, the mystery has been solved! Although I was born long after the second World War ended, I would say I am one of the few young people who had special interest of the past and all its remains, this iconic photo is one. And who knows maybe after TIGHAR’s July 2 expedition to search for Earhart’s missing plane, another mystery will get solved. Just keeping my fingers crossed…
Me, too. That would be a revelation that carries a greater impact.
I hope this link works……http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_CboPnUTrMo/T7EMBQ_LFwI/AAAAAAAAUmI/FzFZXwjSC-k/s1600/kiss+asb.jpg