#i like ike
Happy 126th birthday, President Dwight D. Eisenhower!
Born today in 1890 in Texas, Dwight D. Eisenhower graduated from West Point in 1915 with what became known as “the class the stars fell on,” because 59 members eventually became general officers. During World War I, he served in US Army camps around the United States despite his requests to fight abroad. After the war, he was promoted to major - a rank he held for 16 years.
In the early 1930s, Eisenhower was posted as chief military aide to General Douglas MacArthur and would accompany him to the Philippines for four years. After the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, Eisenhower created major war plans to defeat Japan and Germany, which led to his appointment as Supreme Allied Commander in Europe.
After the victorious end of World War II, Eisenhower returned to Washington, DC, to serve as Chief of Staff of the Army. As the 1948 presidential election approached, many politicians from both parties encouraged Eisenhower to run, but he could not be persuaded until the 1952 election. His simple and effective slogan “I Like Ike” and selection of Richard Nixon for Vice President helped him defeat his opponent by a landslide. Eisenhower was the last President born in the 19th century and the only general to serve as President in the 20th century.
Image courtesy Eisenhower Presidential Library.
Post link
