Dwight Eisehower

Dwight D. Eisenhower

By, R. Alton Lee

Dwight D. Eisenhower

Dwight D. Eisenhower: Soldier and Statesman is a document then gives an inside look at the man who has always been a natural born leader. The book breaks down the life of Dwight D. Eisenhower from the time when he wasn't just a young boy throughout his military career, presidency, and his life up to his death. It gives you a detailed account of the accomplishments Eisenhower overcame during his life. He is known as one of America's greatest soldiers and president to ever serve this great country that we live in.

Dwight D. Eisenhower was the third son of David and Ida Stover Eisenhower. He was born in 1890 in Denison, Texas, and named David Dwight Eisenhower, although he was known as Dwight David by many. "In 1891, the family moved to Abilene, Kansas"1, where Eisenhower was brought up. He was the third of seven sons. He and his older brothers were all called "Ike" by their family. Young Dwight Eisenhower was known as "Little Ike, He was an average size for his age, aggressive boy who was just beginning to develop the grin for which he would later become famous worldwide."2 In his high school years, he was known to excel in sports due to his active nature. After he graduated, Eisenhower wanted to attend college, but his family could not afford the tuition. Dwight and his brother planned to switch off between work and college every year in order to pay for each other's tuition and allow them to both complete their education. In 1910, Eisenhower found that he could get a free college education at United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. While Eisenhower had no original plans to be a soldier, he still prepared well for the competitive West Point entrance exam and won an appointment to the school in 1911. "On June 14, 1911 he entered the West Point Military Academy with the class of 1915"3, to begin his life long career of serving his country.

1. Lee Alton R. Dwight D. Eisenhower Soldier, President, Statesman. (Nelson-Hull Chicago, Ill.1981) pg-6

2. pg-12

3. pg-26

Eisenhower would later lead many military forces through the course of both world wars, winning decisive victories and helping push America forward even before his own presidency. "When the United States entered World War I in 1917,. Eisenhower desperately wanted to see action during the war, and applied for an overseas assignment. His own skill would prevent him from participating in battle during that war. Higher officers saw the ability that he had as an organizer and trainer. "Eisenhower was promoted to Captain on June 1, 1917 and was to report to Camp Colt near Gettysburg to take command of the only tank training center in the United States."4 This was an important position for the 27-year-old Captain, to command a camp training six thousand men. It was disappointing for Ike not to be able to go overseas and fight, but he threw all his energy into his new responsibility. "On November 18, 1918 he finally got orders to take his units overseas", to France, but the war would be ended due to the signing of the Armistice on November 11, 1918, before he could leave America.5 Although disappointed at having missed combat, Eisenhower was recognized by his superiors for his efforts during the war. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal following the submission of German forces.

4. Lee Alton R. Dwight D. Eisenhower Soldier, President, Statesman. (Nelson-Hull Chicago, Ill.1981) pg-44

5. pg-45

After gaining much respect in the military field for his accomplishments during World War I, Eisenhower was assigned to many posts, where he became acquainted with George Patton and Douglas Macarthur, both major military figures. Eisenhower met George Patton while he was at Camp Meade. "Both Patton and Eisenhower were convinced the tank would play a prominent role in future warfare, and they pioneered together in developing its use and doctrine." 6 Both of these men developed the tank infantry to be used in future war's. Further training exercises and relationship with George Patton, Patton introduced Eisenhower to Gen. Fox Connor. " Fox Connor was one of the outstanding officers of this time."7 "General Connor became quite fond of Eisenhower and he was later transferred to the Panama Canal zone to become Fox Connor's Chief of Staff." 8 Becoming familiar with these men proved to be an asset in Eisenhower's military career. Before the entrance of America into World War II, he found himself promoted to the rank of brigadier general.

After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, "General George C. Marshall called him to Washington for a war plans assignment. Eisenhower impressed both the general as well as The President (Theodore Roosevelt) with his well thought out plan to focus on weakening Germany before assaulting the Japanese."9 Because of this, he was placed in command of the Allied Forces landing in North Africa in November 1942. "On D-Day, 1944, he was Supreme Commander of the troops invading France."10 After heading many decisive victories for the U.S., Eisenhower accepted Germany's surrender on May 7, 1945. He returned home a national hero.

6. Lee Alton R. Dwight D. Eisenhower Soldier, President, Statesman. (Nelson-Hull Chicago, Ill.1981) pg-58

7. pg-66

8. pg-89

9. pg-104

10. pg-125

After the war, he became President of Columbia University, then left to assume the first position of supreme commander over the new NATO forces being assembled in 1951.11 In 1952, Eisenhower resigned from the army to campaign in the presidential election that year. Both major parties wanted him to represent them