Identity Confirmed of Sailor in Times Square Kiss
In photos on December 30th, 2008 by Josh Shayne | 2,600 views
After returning home from a tour of duty at sea, Life Magazine photographer Alfred Eisenstadt took this, perhaps the most famous photograph of two people kissing. The kiss symbolized so many emotions — an emotional release through which the entire nation could vicariously rejoice. The soldier and the nurse, in the middle of Times Square in 1945, were part of the very backbone of the American war effort. Years later the sailor came forth and identified himself as Glenn McDuffie.
Houston Police Department forensic artist Lois Gibson worked hard to find evidence that McDuffie was the sailor in the famous photograph. After a detailed investigation, it’s her official verdict that McDuffie, 80, is the man in the 1945 image.
Gibson said she thinks McDuffie’s claim is bolstered by his explanation for why the sailor’s left hand and wrist are twisted around the nurse’s face. He said he realized someone was taking the picture, so he moved his wrist and hand so the nurse’s face could be seen.
Source: Lozano, Juan A., “Forensics help identify sailor in famous kiss photo,” Associated Press, Aug 4, 2007
Jerry O'Donnell
Says:December 30th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
I have been interested in the famous 1945 Eisenstadt photo for more than 9 years and track developments through a dedicated Google search. There is other compelling forensic evidence that proves that George Mendonsa is the sailor. I was part of a team that conducted research for the U.S. Naval War College Museum that resulted in a special historic feature published by the Museum. This includes the wonderful story of the kiss. I’m happy to provide this information to any one who might be interested and can be contacted at theea@aol.com Jerry O’Donnell, Captain U.S. Navy, retired.
admin
Says:December 30th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Thanks so much for your comment! If you’d like to write something about your research for the Kissing Matters site, we’d be thrilled to post it!