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Eisenhower, Dwight David "Ike"

Date of birth:
October 14th, 1890 (Denison/Texas, United States)
Date of death:
March 28th, 1969 (Washington, DC, United States)
Buried on:
Place of Meditation
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)
Rang/eenheid:
General of the Army in SHAEF

Biography

Dwight David Eisenhower was born in the city of Denison, Texas on October 14 1890. Originally the Eisenhower family come from German, but the family had lived in America since the 18th century.

Eisenhower married Mamie Geneva Doud on July 1, 1916. Two children were born, Doud Dwight Eisenhower (1917–1921), and John Sheldon David Doud Eisenhower (born 1922).
Eisenhower started at West Point in 1911 and graduated in 1915. During the late 1920s and early 1930s the military career of Eisenhower stagnated. Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Eisenhower was assigned to the General Staff in Washington, until June 1942. In June 1942 Eisenhower was appointed Commanding General, European Theater of Operations (ETOUSA) and was based in London. In November 1942 he was also appointed Supreme Commander Allied (Expeditionary) Force of the North African Theater. In December 1943 it was decided that Eisenhower would become Supreme Allied Commander in Europe. In January 1944 he resumed command of ETOUSA and the following month he was officially designated as the Supreme Allied Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF), serving in this dual role until the end of hostilities in Europe. After the German unconditional surrender on May 8, 1945, Eisenhower became Military Governor of the U.S. Occupation Zone, stationed in Frankfurt-am-Main.

Eisenhower was President of the United States from 1953 till 1961.

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Period:
First World War (1914-1918)
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel
Awarded on:
October 7th, 1922
"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. While Commanding Officer of the Tank Corps Training Center from 23 March 1918 to 18 November 1918, at Camp Colt, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Lieutenant Colonel Eisenhower displayed unusual zeal, foresight, and marked administrative ability in the organization, training, and preparation for overseas service of technical troops of the Tank Corps."

War Department, General Orders No. 43
Distinguished Service Medal - Army (DSM)
Period:
First World War (1914-1918)
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel
Awarded on:
April 9th, 1919
World War I Victory Medal
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General
Awarded on:
June 12th, 1943
Grand Cross of The Most Honourable Order of the Bath (GCB)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
June 15th, 1943
Grand Croix de l' Ordre National de la Legion d'Honneur
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General
Awarded on:
June 19th, 1943

With palm
Croix de Guerre (1939-1945)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General
Awarded on:
September 7th, 1943

War Department, General Orders No. 54 (Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal)
Distinguished Service Medal - Army (DSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General
Awarded on:
November 18th, 1943
Awarded for:
Operation Torch
Africa Star

with Silver Numerals 8 & 1
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General
Awarded on:
November 25th, 1943
Legion of Merit - US Military
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General of the Army
Unit:
Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF), Allied Forces
Awarded on:
February 18th, 1944
Orden Suvorova 1
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General of the Army
Awarded on:
September 25th, 1944
Order Virtuti Militari Grand Cross
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General of the Army
Awarded on:
May 18th, 1945
Order Odrodzenia Polski Kawalerski
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General of the Army
Awarded on:
May 28th, 1945
Compagnon
l' Ordre de la Libération
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General of the Army
Unit:
Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF), Allied Forces
Awarded on:
June 5th, 1945
Orden Pobeda
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General of the Army
Unit:
Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF), Allied Forces
Awarded on:
June 12th, 1945
Order of Merit
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General of the Army
Awarded on:
July 3rd, 1945
Grootlint in de Leopoldsorde / Grand cordon de l'Ordre de Léopold
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General of the Army
Unit:
Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF), Allied Forces
Awarded on:
July 3rd, 1945
Croix de Guerre 1940
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General of the Army
Awarded on:
July 13th, 1945

War Department, General Orders No. 55 (Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal)
Distinguished Service Medal - Army (DSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General of the Army
Unit:
Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF), Allied Forces
Awarded on:
August 3rd, 1945
Medaille  Militaire
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General of the Army
Awarded on:
September 7th, 1945
Order Krzyza Grunwaldu 1st Class
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General of the Army
Awarded on:
October 11th, 1945
Ceskoslovenský válecný kríž 1939
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General of the Army
Awarded on:
October 11th, 1945
Rad Bileho lva I Class
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General of the Army
Awarded on:
October 11th, 1945
Ceskoslovenský vojenský rád Bilého lva
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General of the Army
Unit:
Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF), Allied Forces
Awarded on:
December 19th, 1945
Elefantordenen
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
June 19th, 1946
Gră-Cruz del Ordem do Mérito Militar
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General of the Army
Unit:
Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF), Allied Forces
Awarded on:
July 1st, 1946
Medalha de Guerra
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General of the Army
Awarded on:
July 13th, 1946

With swords
Basilikon Tagma toy Georgioya A - Grand Cross
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General of the Army
Awarded on:
August 5th, 1946
Grâ-Cruz della Ordem do Mérito Aeronáutico
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General of the Army
Awarded on:
August 5th, 1946
Gră-Cruz del Ordem Nacional do Cruzeiro do Sul
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General of the Army
Unit:
Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF), Allied Forces
Awarded on:
August 6th, 1946
Medalha de Campanha
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General of the Army
Awarded on:
April 2nd, 1947
American Defence Service Medal
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General of the Army
Awarded on:
April 2nd, 1947
World War Two Victory Medal
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General of the Army
Awarded on:
April 2nd, 1947
Army of Occupation Medal
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General of the Army
Unit:
Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF), Allied Forces
Awarded on:
June 25th, 1947
Awarded for:
Operation Torch
"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander-in-Chief, Allied Expeditionary Force, North African Theater of Operations, November 1942. Responsible for the overall command and coordination of combined air, sea and land forces in simultaneous assaults on Casablanca, Oran and Algiers, General of the Army Eisenhower initiated the first major combined offensive action in the European Theater of War. Under his brilliant leadership, the largest mechanized army to have landed on a hostile shore achieved an objective which placed northern and western Africa in Allied control. The success of this expedition, which influenced the international situation in Europe and the strategic situation in Europe and the strategic situation in the Mediterranean, was due in large measure to General of the Army Eisenhower's sound judgment, careful planning and outstanding skill as a diplomat. His distinguished service reflects the highest credit upon himself and the forces which he commanded."
Distinguished Service Medal - Navy/USMC
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General of the Army
Unit:
Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF), Allied Forces
Awarded on:
July 22nd, 1947
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
General Dwight Eisenhower was the first recipient of the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, receiving it in recognition of his service as Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force during World War II.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General of the Army
Awarded on:
1947

Presented by Queen Wilhelmina
Eresabel
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General of the Army
Awarded on:
March 5th, 1948
"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility, as Chief of Staff of the United States Army during the period from 19 February 1945 to 6 February 1948."

Department of the Army, General Orders No. 17 (Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal)
Distinguished Service Medal - Army (DSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General of the Army
Unit:
Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF), Allied Forces
Awarded on:
July 14th, 1948
Orde van de Nederlandse Leeuw - Ridder Grootkruis (NL.1)

Royal Decree no. 1
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
General of the Army
Awarded on:
May 21st, 1952
Médaille Militaire
Period:
After War Period (1945-now)
Rank:
General of the Army
Awarded on:
June 30th, 1952
"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility from 19 December 1950 to 1 June 1952."

Department of the Army, General Orders No. 64 (Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal)
Distinguished Service Medal - Army (DSM)

War Diary mentions

27 January 1944 WO 171/583 - 79 Armoured Division
Gen D.W. Eisenhower, S.C.A.E.F. and Field Marshal Sir Alan Brooke, C.I.G.S. visited 79 Armd Div.

13 May 1944 WO 171/1397 - 2 East Yorkshire Regiment
General D.D. Eisenhower, Supreme Comd Allied Forces in Europe inspected selected officers and men: “I had heard so much about you all from General Montgomery; he certainly did not exaggerate anything he told me. It was good to see your Division looking so fit and in such good spirits.”

20 May 1944 WO 171/1384 - 2 Royal Ulster Regiment
Practice LCI(L) loading at SOUTHSEA and disembarkation at GOSPORT. Visit by General Eisenhower to 3 Br Inf Div. 100 All Ranks represented the Bn.

25 May 1944 WO 171/853 - 2 Fife and Forfar Regiment
A party of 70 went to join […] 8 Corps tps in an inspection parade for Gen. Eisenhower who addressed the parade in an […] speech.

25 May 1944 WO 171/1307 - 1 Herefordshire Regiment
Personnel numbering 90 were inspected by General Eisenhower venue POUND HILL ref 735560 Sheet 125.

25 May 1944 WO 171/866 - 3 Royal Tank Regiment
4 officers and 30 ORs attend Exercise “RED”. Codeword given to inspection and talk by General D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander, A.E.F., to officers and ORs of 8 Corps.

25 May 1944 WO 171/1349 - 3 Monmouthshire Regiment
Exercise “Red” – CO, 2IC and Coy Comds with 80 ORs were inspected and addressed, with other representative parties from the Corps, by Gen Eisenhower.

25 May 1944 WO 171/997 - 151 Ayrshire Yeomanry
6 Offrs and 67 O.Rs attended Ex ‘Red’ - inspection of units of 8 Corps by General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander-in-Chief, at WORTH, SUSSEX.

25 May 1944 WO 171/691 - 159 Infantry Brigade
A party of 300 went to WORTH near THREE BRIDGES to hear General Eisenhower, The Allied Supreme Commander talk, and be inspected by him.

6 June 1944 WO 171/466 - 15 (Scottish) Infantry Division
Letter concerning accredited war correspondents by Gen Dwight D. Eisenhower KCB, Supreme Comd AEF received.

6 June 1944 WO 171/1297 - 2 Glasgow Highlanders
"D" Day. Orders of the day read to all tps from Gen Eisenhower. Bn addressed by Bde Comd.

6 June 1944 WO 171/2380 - 96 Company
BBC announced ‘D’ day. Various pamphlets, letters from Gen Eisenhower and Montgomery, unit briefs etc. distributed. Operation proceeding very favourably. 1 O.R. and 1 x 3 ton Q4 Bedford lorry lands today with Tac. H.Q. Second Army.

7 June 1944 WO 171/1396 - 1 Worcestershire Regiment
Officers and Warrant Officers attended Divisional Conference at HASTINGS. Personal message received from General Montgomery also message from General Eisenhower.

15 June 1944 WO 171/466 - 15 (Scottish) Infantry Division
Gen Dwight D. Eisenhower KCB, Supreme Comd Allied Expeditionary Force visited this HQ

20 June 1944 WO 171/997 - 151 Ayrshire Yeomanry
Two American Civil Affairs Officers visited RHQ and obtained the linguistic services of the RMO (Capt. AWC Lobban RAMC) in presenting a proclamation by General Eisenhower to the Mayor of Lantheuil.

15 August 1944 WO 171/607 - 6 Guards Tank Brigade
News on the general situation in France is good. General Eisenhower has called on all the allied armd. forces to make this a most momentous week in the history of the War. U.S. troops are sweeping S.E. towards PARIS while the enemy is gradually falling back on the line of R. SEINE. On the div. front his resistance has weakened still further and our recce. elts. have reached TINCHEBRAY. The enemy is now trying to extricate his forces from a rapidly closing 'bag' through the ARGENTAN – FALAISE gap and for the moment the R.A.F. is leading the 2nd Army in the work of destroying the retreating columns. The Bde. spent a quiet day. There in now little room for 8 Corps to deploy between the advancing 30 Brit. and V U.S. Corps. Operation "Anvil" began to-day with large scale allied landings in the SOUTH of France.

26 November 1944 WO 171/840 - 1 Royal Dragoons
A bright sunshiny day. N.T.R. on our front. The Allied armies continue to advance. In the North 12 Corps and 8 Corps have nearly cleared the whole of the MEUSE pocket and have closed in on VENLO. There are still a few small enemy groups on the West bank of the river NW of VENLO. Further South, 30 Corps and the American 9th Army are meeting very stiff resistance in their advance to the River ROER and the Germans are strongly defending LINNICH and JULICH the two main towns on this river. The whole of 6 Panzer Army has now been located between the RHINE and the ROER and Gen Eisenhower has stated that it appears that the German High Command intends to "fight it out" West of the RHINE. Still further South the American 7th Army is widening the front behind STRASBOURG and the French 1st Army is pushing Northwards up the West bank of the RHINE from MULHAUS. The German forces operating in the VOSGES Mountains are in danger of being trapped and are said to be withdrawing.

30 November 1944 WO 171/607 - 6 Guards Tank Brigade
The Supreme Allied Commander, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, G.C.B., visited Bde HQ and units of the Bde accompanied by General Sir Miles C. Dempsey, K.B.E., Commander Second British Army. Gen. Eisenhower’s inspection lasted two hours.

30 November 1944 WO 171/1255 - 4 Grenadier Guards
The Bn had the honour to be visited by the Supreme Commander General “Ike” Eisenhower. He inspected one vehicle of every type held by the Bn & was apparently extremely impressed by the standard of cleanliness & maintenance. He was accompanied by the Army Commander General Dempsey. The weather managed to keep fine for the visit for the first time in 3 weeks.

30 November 1944 WO 171/3377 - 110 Provost Company
No. 1 section Cinemas, Car Park, Information Post & point in HELMOND. Town patrols were arranged for visit of Gen. Eisenhower to HELMOND. No. 2 section took over duties at DEURNE from 11 Armd Div Pro and established their section H.Q. at MR. 651203. No. 3 section Main H.Q. duties. No. 4 section duties at ZOMEREN & control of 3 bridges. No. 5 section T.M.C. duties. No. 6 section painted & patrolled “Triangle” Route. No. 7 section police duties at HELMOND & on “Hat” Route. No. 8 section painted & patrolled “Triangle” & Circle Rtn Routes. 120 vehs of Coldstream Gds. tks and wheels escorted along Route to HELMOND. No. 9 section police duties at GEMERT.

1 December 1944 WO 171/1251 - 4 Coldstream Guards
The Bn was visited, and an informal inspection held, by the Supreme Commander, General Eisenhower. With him were Lt. Gen. Sir Miles Dempsey & Lt. Gen. Ritchie. The General was shown “Cuckoo" the Panther and talked to Sergeant Roberts, its Commander.

17 December 1944 WO 171/607 - 6 Guards Tank Brigade
Detailed news of the German attack is difficult to get. Gen Eisenhower has ordered restrictions on communiques giving dispositions of troops in the affected sector. Orders of the Day issued by von Rundstedt and Hitler indicate that this is in fact a supreme effort.

Sources