Mussolini, VE Day, Surrender

(31 Dec 1945) Death Of A Tyrant On a Milan street, the bodies of Mussolini and his mistress lie before a howling mob straining to vent its rage on them. Executed a short time before by Italian partisans after a summary trial: the bodies are then hung from the rafters of a gas station. War Ends In Europe President Truman officially proclaims VE Day, as Germany submits her unconditional surrender to General Eisenhower’s headquarters in Reims. Overjoyed by the victory news from Europe, New Yorkers jubilantly celebrate in the canyons of Wall Street and in Times Square. The Surrender Of Germany Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Forces, Reims - Nazi General Jodl, representing Admiral Doenitz, strides into the “war room“ where Allied Generals await him and his party. After the surrender terms are underestood, Jodl and his associates sign. US General Walter Bedell Smith, the Allied Chief of Staff, signs as do the remainder of the Allied Generals. In an adjoining room, General Eisenhower forms the signature pens into a V for Victory sign. Unconditional surrender is an accomplished fact. Find out more about AP Archive: Twitter: Facebook: ​​ Instagram: You can license this story through AP Archive: