Man known as sailor in iconic WWII kissing photo dies

MANILA, Philippines – Glenn McDuffie, a man known for claiming to be the kissing sailor in an iconic World War II photo, died on March 9, reported the Associated Press. He was 86.

According to his daughter Glenda Bell, McDuffie died in a nursing home in Dallas, but not before being recognized by a top forensic artist as the man in the famous V-J day photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt. With the Life magazine photographer unable to get the names of his subjects, many others claimed to be the people behind the kiss.

Not being identified as the man in the photo bothered McDuffie, said his daughter. Six years ago, the he turned to Houston Police Department forensic artist Lois Gibson to help prove his identity.

According to the AP report, Gibson took around 100 photos of McDuffie making the same pose with a pillow as the woman. The forensic artist was then able to match McDuffie’s muscles, ears, and other features to the younger sailor in the photo.

It was a “perfect match,” said Gibson. “I was absolutely positive.”

Soon after, the kissing sailor, who waited over 60 years to be recognized, began telling his story in fundraisers and parties. According to Gibson, women would also pay the then 80-year-old $10 for a picture of them kissing him on the cheek.

Edith Shain, a nurse who claimed to be the woman in the photo also became an instant celebrity, making public appearances and posing for photos. Shain died in 2010 at the age of 91, according to The New York Times. 

McDuffie previously told his story to the Associated Press, narrating how he was in the process of changing trains when news broke of Japan’s surrender. He was 18 and on his way to visit his girlfriend, said McDuffie.

“I was so happy. I ran out in the street. And then I saw that nurse,” he told the Associated Press. “She saw me hollering and with a big smile on my face. … I just went right to her and kissed her.”

According to McDuffie, he and the nurse, “never spoke a word.” After the kiss, he proceeded to the subway across the street and hopped on a train to Brooklyn. – Rappler.com