| MIDDLETOWN, R.I.
A Rhode Island man has finally won his
battle to prove he's the kissing sailor in a famous Life Magazine photograph
from Times Square at the end of World War II.
On the day the Japanese surrendered,
22-year-old George Mendonsa, kissed a nurse he'd never met in New York.
The unforgettable picture
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| Credit: NBC 10
George Mendonsa says he feels good now
that a book has confirmed that he was the kissing sailor in an iconic Life
Magazine photo. |
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has been captured in statues, featured
on a stamp and was even re-created last month by Katy Perry at a recent
concert.
But until a book titled "The
Kissing Sailor" came out, Mendonsa fought to be recognized as the
famous kissing sailor.
Now, the 89-year-old retired fisherman
says he's satisfied.
"Oh, I feel good. I know it's going
to happen now," said Mendonsa, who lives in Middletown.
He's had the proof for years, and in
1984 told NBC 10's Frank Coletta he was trying to get Life Magazine to
give him credit.
Mendonsa has the tattoo shown in the
photo. He also has the little bump on the inside of his left forearm.
Even his rate, instead of being sewn
on his uniform, was in his pocket.
"I had it in my hip pocket," Mendonsa
said.
The story on Thursday has gone worldwide.
Mendonsa just finished an interview from Chile before NBC 10 arrived, and
has sent his picture all over.
"I've sent it to Japan. I was surprised
about that. Australia, England," he said.
Mendonsa said he's just thankful he's
getting recognition 67 years after his exuberance captured the feeling
of millions of Americans on the day the war ended. |
