Dwight Eisenhower 1890-1969

Dwight David Eisenhower was born, into a family of English, German and Swiss origin, in Denison, Texas in 1890. He graduated from West Point in 1915. In 1935 General Douglas Mac Arthur summoned Eisenhower to the Philippines, where he acted as assistant military advisor to the Philippine government. He excelled at organization and logistics - qualities that prompted his superiors to send him to headquarters rather than to the battlefields, despite his preference for the opposite. He was promoted to the rank of Supreme Allied Commander in Europe in December of 1943. He was charged with the planning of the invasion of Normandy which if successful, would lead to the liberation of Europe. Having outlined his plan and strategies to General Marshall, Eisenhower was surprised to hear, "Are you happy with the work you have done? Good! because the Supreme Commander of the Allied forces in Europe is you!" Though the military offensive was a daring operation, Eisenhower motivated the Allied troops, stating: "The free men of the world are marching together to victory. I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle."