Lot 92
Eisenhower, Dwight D (1890-1969) 34th President of the United States (1953-1961); Allied Supreme Commander during World War II. Autograph letter signed ("Ike") as Allied Supreme Commander, 2 separate pages, 10 3/8 x 8 in., no place, April 9 (1944). To his wife, Mamie, as he waited for optimal conditions to launch D-Day (Operation Overlord). No one would know from this calm letter the years of planning that were on the line and that would affect the history of the war and the world. General Eisenhower thanks Mamie for "a very sweet note," mentions a teletype he had sent her for Easter, speaks of his disappointment that Cassie's pups had all died in quarantine and responds to Mamie's question about when he had time for golf : "The answer is that I havent--at least so far. My back yard faces a golf course, Under no stretch of the imagination could I ever get to play more than 1 or 2 holes, but its fun to keep thinking about the possibility. You see evenings are long here, already they are so lengthened that its light up to 9:00 so if a fellow has implements handy, he could go out at 7:00 and play half an hour and still have time to clean up for dinner." He discusses their income taxes for 1943 and 1944 and expresses understanding that she doesn't want to go back to Washington: "If I were you I'd just please myself from day to day--and try to avoid worrying. I look forward to the day I can come home, permanently, and even though I cannot guess when that might be - it is at least something wonderful to which to look forward. Dont forget I love you - always- & dont you dare forget me! Your Ike." Accompanied by the transmittal envelope, with "Free" at upper right, and censored by Eisenhower himself with his full signature.
In the weeks before D-Day, General Eisenhower held his usual staff meetings and conferences, but he visited as many Allied units as possible, inspecting their weapons and equipment, and talking to them about the importance of their individual missions and the larger mission, and making personal connections. Included with this letter to Mamie is an 8 x 10 in. photograph of General Eisenhower talking to Lt. Wallace C. Strobel, with an accompanying explanation by Strobel. He writes that the General did not say "total victory" as might be expected, but asked his name and where he was from. Upon hearing "Strobel" and "Michigan," "Ike recalled in some detail the spectacular fishing he had enjoyed there. Then, quickly, he moved on…."
Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000.
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| Realized $4,560 |
