#west point
General Napoleon Bonaparte Buford(Union)
The American Civil War was notably influenced by the Napoleonic Wars half a century earlier, particularly in the way many of the battles were conducted. Several generals who had learned all about Napoleon at military school modelled themselves on the great man to a greater or lesser extent. But none shared both of his names, with the exception of the immaculately bearded Napoleon Bonaparte Buford.
Buford had only spent four years in the US Army after graduating from West Point, leaving to become an engineer in 1835. A quarter of a century later he returned to the colours on the outbreak of war, and perhaps his most notable achievement came at the Battle of Island Ten on the Mississippi in early 1862, where he commanded a brigade of infantry on board Union vessels. His younger brother John Buford achieved greater fame, playing a prominent role at the Battle of Gettysburg.
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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.
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