September 2019 Auction Ends Thursday, September 26th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2019
General Dwight Eisenhower typed letter signed during WWII regarding the sensitive issue of combat troop redeployment as the war in Europe was coming to a close. Dated 20 April 1945 - just days before the fall of Berlin, and Hitler and Mussolini's deaths, Eisenhower writes to General William Morris who served on the War Department Personnel Board. Two page letter is stamped ''SECRET'' on both pages, as well as on the envelope, with content reading in part, ''I have received a personal letter from General Marshall pointing out his concern in the human problems which will arise in redeployment. I share his concern.
I have not discussed redeployment up to the present as its open discussion might adversely affect operational efficiency. However, I believe that the time has arrived...
Failure to return all those eligible for discharge to the United States at the earliest possible date will not only result in a loss of confidence by the soldier in the Army, but will also develop an unfavorable public opinion which could well result in a loss of the good will built up by the Army in its successful campaigns.
When the bell rings, we must be prepared to release the high-point men in each combat division who are eligible for discharge, even though it results in an immediate reduction of divisional strength below the authorized figures...
It is not a subject to gossip or talk about. It does require thinking ahead...We must not follow blueprint designs rigidly, but must apply the established policies with human understanding. This requires the personal attention of the commander in all command echelons...
We must be sure that no combat soldier is sent to the Pacific who has fought in both North Africa and Europe. It may be that some soldiers in this category will not have sufficient points to be eligible for discharge. However, these men should be retained in the European Theater for the Army of Occupation as they should not be required to fight another campaign...
I am forming a small Control Group in my Headquarters to coordinate the efforts of all commands concerned with redeployment...You will have no more difficult command task than you will face in the redeployment of your command. I expect you to give to it the same zealous personal attention which you have given to your combat assignments. [signed] Dwight D Eisenhower''.
Two page letter on two sheets measures 8'' x 10.5'', on stationery embossed ''HEADQUARTERS EUROPEAN THEATER / United States Army / Office of the Commanding General''. With matching envelope addressed to General Morris, housed in a larger U.S. Forces envelope, stamped 21 April 1945. Folds to letter, else near fine.
Dwight Eisenhower ''Secret'' Letter Signed From April 1945 -- ''...received a personal letter from General Marshall pointing out his concern in the human problems which will arise in redeployment...''
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