Victor Jorgensen

Victor Jorgensen was an American United States Navy photographer and photojournalist best known for capturing a celebrated image of the V-J Day celebrations in Times Square in 1945. Serving as a Petty Officer First Class during World War II, he worked for the Navy Department's photographic unit. While his work is often overshadowed by the similar, more famous photograph by Alfred Eisenstaedt, Jorgensen's image remains a significant and authentic document of a pivotal moment in 20th-century American history.

Early life and education

Victor Jorgensen was born on July 25, 1913, in the United States. Details regarding his specific birthplace and early family life remain largely undocumented in public records. He developed an interest in photography prior to his military service, a skill that would define his professional contributions. His educational background, while not extensively recorded, provided the foundation for his technical proficiency with a camera, leading him toward a career in visual documentation during a period of global conflict.

Military service

Jorgensen enlisted in the United States Navy and served with distinction during World War II. He attained the rank of Petty Officer First Class and was assigned to the photographic unit of the Navy Department. In this capacity, his duties involved documenting naval operations and personnel for official records and public information. His assignment placed him in New York City in August 1945, coinciding with the announcement of Japan's surrender, which ended the war in the Pacific Theater.

Photography career

Operating as a military photographer, Jorgensen's career was intrinsically linked to his service. His body of work consists primarily of images produced for the Navy and released by the Office of War Information. The most prominent example of his photography is his V-J Day scene, published in *The New York Times* under the title "Kissing the War Goodbye." His style was straightforward and journalistic, aimed at capturing authentic moments for historical and propaganda purposes during the final stages of World War II.

V-J Day in Times Square photograph

On August 14, 1945, following the announcement of V-J Day, Jorgensen was among the crowds in Times Square. He photographed a United States Navy sailor kissing a woman in a white dress, a spontaneous moment of celebration. His horizontally composed image, taken at close range, was published in *The New York Times* the following day. The photograph is often compared to the more widely circulated vertical image of the same moment taken by Alfred Eisenstaedt for *Life* magazine, known as "V-J Day in Times Square." While Eisenstaedt's version achieved greater iconic status, Jorgensen's photograph is valued for its raw, immediate perspective and its status as an official United States Navy record of the event.

Later life and death

After the war, Victor Jorgensen largely receded from public prominence. He did not pursue a high-profile career in commercial photography or photojournalism following his discharge from the United States Navy. He lived a private life, with few details about his postwar occupations or personal endeavors available in the public domain. Victor Jorgensen died on May 14, 1994, at the age of 80. His legacy endures primarily through his single, powerful image that continues to be reproduced in historical texts, documentaries, and exhibitions about World War II and its aftermath.

Category:American military photographers Category:United States Navy personnel of World War II Category:1913 births Category:1994 deaths