San Francisco V-J Day Peace Riots: Celebration Turned Deadly, August 13-15, 1945

The surrender of Japan in mid-August 1945 caused many around the world to pour into the streets in spontaneous celebrations. In San Francisco, however, thousands of young sailors--new recruits from nearby bases--as well as young civilians rioted. More than 100 plate glass windows were shattered; liquor, tobacco, and clothing stores were looted; automobiles were overturned; cable cars were damaged; and bonfires were set. After a phalanx of civilian and military police officers had cleared the streets, more than 1,000 people had been injured, at least six women had been raped, and thirteen people were dead. City and military authorities vowed to determine who was responsible for the three nights of rioting. Amid a flurry of "passing the buck," the San Francisco district attorney and a grand jury began investigating the "VJ Day Peace Riots," but the outcome of their efforts was uncertain. This book presents the entire history of the riots that shook San Francisco.