February 2013 Auction Ends Wednesday, February 6th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/6/2013
Dwight D. Eisenhower WWII autograph letter signed as Commanding General of U.S. Forces in the European Theatre. On 6 April 1943, just one month before the successful close of Operation Torch, Eisenhower takes a break from commanding the Allied invasion of North Africa from his underground headquarters in Gibraltar to write his wife Mamie. In part: ''Darling...A letter today from General Allen says you may stay in S.A. [San Antonio, TX] all winter. I rather think he must be mistaken because Butch seems to have gotten no such idea. Butch says I've gotten fat, and in checking up on myself, I find he is right. We get plenty of fats & starches in our diet, and since I like them, the result is almost inescapable. Then I've had almost nil in the way of exercise. Also, Butch just told me that a radio man who has just arrived here from London says that I've aged at least 5 years since I left that city...I'll be something like the equivalent of 92 when I get back to the US...Mike tells me a recent letter of mine to her was cut to pieces by the censor. Sometimes I think all staff officers are without brains. I've never written a personal letter that could possibly violate sane censorship - If Mike still has a the d--- thing, please ask her to send it back to me. I'd just like to check. Actually I lean over backward to avoid violations in that regard. The d--- fool censors should honor that (if I so choose) I could send all my letters to the WD for transmission, because I, Not the censors, carry the responsibility for the safety of this command. Well sweet, I rack my head for news in which you might be interested. Concerning operations I can tell you nothing you have not already seen in the papers...This is the worst place in which to try to write a letter! I get so weary of interruptions I feel like putting a padlock on the door. But I try to keep a good disposition. Give all the family my love. If I had a phone that could go to S.A. in one long hop, d--- if I couldn't take off from here one day & pay you a visit, if only for 5 minutes. Don't forget me, because, with all my faults, my age, my fat, I surely love you!!! Your Ike''. Original mailing envelope is included, where Eisenhower writes ''Censored by: Dwight D. Eisenhower / General U.S.A.'' Postmarked 21 April 1943. 3pp. letter on 3 separate sheets of ruled stationery measures 8'' x 10.5''. Toning, else near fine.
Eisenhower WWII ALS at End of Operation Torch -- ''...I've gotten fat...I've aged at least 5 years...I...carry the responsibility for the safety of this command..."
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