The Man Featured In One Of The Most Iconic WWII Photos Of All Time Has Passed Away

Ashley Schaeffer BMW11 years ago

You’ve undoubtedly seen the famous black and white photograph of a navy sailor dramatically kissing a lovely nurse as passers by look on with enormous smiles, all in celebration of V-J Day. It was taken in Times Square on Aug. 14, 1945, at the moment the sailor learned World War II was over, when he grabbed a nearby nurse and planted a big kiss on her. The photo, known as “V-J Day in Times Square,” first appeared in Life magazine a week after it was shot by Alfred Eisenstaedt. Today, it stands as one of the most iconic photos in American history.

Tragically, I have to report that the man featured in the picture, Glenn Edward McDuffie, passed away last Sunday, March 9. He was 86, so it’s safe to say he lived a long and fruitful life, and carried himself like a gentleman should most of the time.

Interestingly enough, McDuffie’s identity in the photograph wasn’t actually confirmed until 2007 by forensic expert Lois Gibson of the Houston Police Department. Many other men claimed throughout the years that they were the man in the photograph.

McDuffie’s legacy will surely live on, as the photograph has since been immortalized across many art mediums, including paintings, movies, and sculpture across our nation.

He is survived by a daughter, Glenda Bell, and grandchildren Christopher and Jordan Bell. Our thoughts go out to them, and there’s no doubt that Glenn is probably laying on some smooches up in heaven right now.

[via ABC Local Houston]