Argentina

U-977 arrives at Mar del Plata and surrenders, having left Kiel on April 13 and sunk a Soviet ship in the Arctic.

Dutch East Indies

Indonesian nationalists led by Sukarno declare independence from Dutch colonial rule and proclaim the 'Provisional Indonesian Republic Government' on Java.

France, Home Front

De Gaulle commutes the death sentence on Pétain to life imprisonment.

Japan

Gen Prince Higashikumi becomes the Prime Minister of Japan and forms a new government. The Prime Minister orders the Army to obey the Emperor's call and lay down their arms.

Images from August 17, 1945

Hoisting of the Bendera Pusaka (The Sacred Red and White Heirloom Flag) moment during the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence, 17 August 1945

Proclamation of Indonesian Independence

Maneuvering off the coast of Japan, 17 August 1945, two days after Japan agreed to surrender. Taken by a USS Shangri-La (CV-38) photographer. The aircraft carrier in lower right is USS Wasp (CV-18). Also present in the formation are five other Essex class carriers, four light carriers, at least three battleships, plus several cruisers and destroyers. (Credit: Naval Historical Center)

US Naval Presence off the Coast of Japan