His signature appears directly behind the table on which Fleet Admiral Nimitz is shown signing the Instrument of Surrender. The signature was written by a dark blue ink pen with a fine point on the signed surrender photograph.

Carney was born on March 26, 1895 in Vallejo, California. After graduating from the Naval Academy in 1916, he served in World War I, seeing action against German U-Boats. The following is taken directly from the Naval History Division's Official Biography of Admiral Carney:

"In February, 1941, Admiral (then Commander) Carney was recalled from duty in the Pacific Fleet to assist in organizing, equipping, and training of a special Surface-Air Force, having as its mission the protection of shipping against submarine and air attack. This force became fully involved in convoy escort prior to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. From September, 1941, until April, 1942, this Force, under its Commander, the late Vice Admiral Arthur L. Bristol, Jr., established the remarkable record of escorting over 2,600 ships on the ocean lanes with a loss of only six ships.

From October 15, 1942, until July, 1943, he commanded the cruiser USS DENVER in the Pacific War, and was twice decorated for engagements in the Solomon Islands campaign. He earned the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" for meritorious service as Commanding Officer of the USS DENVER, attached to a task Group of Admiral Halsey's THIRD FLEET, during operations against the enemy Japanese-held Islands of Kolombangara, Shortland, and Bougainville, in the Solomon area, the night of July 26, 1943. Proceeding through unfamiliar waters, he took advantage of adverse weather to lay a large quantity of explosive mines along sea lanes extensively used by the enemy and , in addition delivered a smashing naval bombardment against Japanese shore installations on these islands.

On July 29, 1943, he was promoted to Rear Admiral and became Chief of Staff to Admiral William F. Halsey, commander, South Pacific Force, which included all ground, sea, and air forces in the South Pacific area. Carney later wrote that:"Admiral Halsey unfailingly gave credit to his subordinates for successes achieved, and took all blame for failures on his own shoulders."

While in this assignment, Rear Admiral Carney was awarded his second Distinguished Service Medal for contributions which he made in the field of over-all strategy and the organizing of the logistic support of the Allied Forces in the South Pacific, the citation stating, in part: "Displaying sound judgement and distinctive tactical ability, he conceived and correlated the many offensive operations carried out in the Solomon Islands and Bismarck Archipelago Areas. Through his comprehensive knowledge of logistics and his expert planning, he enabled our Forces to exert their greatest strength against the enemy and administer a series of crushing defeats on the Japanese."

When Admiral Halsey assumed command of the THIRD FLEET in the Central Pacific in June, 1944, Rear Admiral Carney accompanied him as Chief of Staff. He took part in the Palau, Leyte, Lingayen, and Okinawa campaigns and in the attack on Formosa, in the China Sea; against the Japanese homeland and the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea."

Rear Admiral Carney arranged with Japanese emissaries for the entry of the THIRD FLEET into Tokyo Bay, accepted the surrender of Yokosuka Naval Base and surrounding area from Vice Admiral Totsuka, of the Imperial Navy, and attended the surrender ceremony held in Admiral Halsey's Flagship the Battleship USS MISSOURI (BB-63).

In addition to the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal with three Gold Stars, the Legion of Merit with Combat "V", and the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V", Admiral Carney has the World War I Victory Medal, Destroyer Clasp (USS FANNING), the American Defense Service Medal, Fleet Clasp (USS CALIFORNIA), the American Area Campaign Medal; the European African-Middle Eastern Area Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal, the latter with nine Battle Stars, the World War II Victory Medal, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon two Bronze Stars. Admiral Carney also holds decorations from twelve foreign countries, many including highest military recognition."