TLS, one page, 7.25 x 10.5, personal letterhead, March 17, 1951. Letter to Sergeant Henry J. Jicka, Jr., welcoming him to the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe. In full “This letter is to welcome you personally to Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers in Europe, and to express the hope that your duty here will prove enjoyable and rewarding. Your assignment implies the complete confidence of your superiors in you character, ability, and loyalty. I know you will live up to that trust. This command has been charged by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization with certain missions that are designed to provide our common security and thereby ensure peace. The responsibilities which thus fall upon this establishment are of a gravity without precedent in the history of free peoples. They call not only for a high order of professional ability but for a complete and selfless dedication to the noble purpose we serve. There can be no compromise with these fundamentals. In your day to day work, you have an ever-present opportunity to contribute to the preservation of a peaceful world and to those values cherished by free peoples. I urge you to take full advantage of that opportunity, applying yourself diligently and allowing nothing to stand in the way of allied teamwork. Together we cannot fail. With best wishes for your personal and official success.”
An integrated military structure for NATO was first established after the Korean War raised questions over the strength of Europe's defenses against a Soviet attack. The first choice for commander in Europe was the popular and respected Eisenhower, as he had successfully directed the Allied landings and subsequent march into Germany during World War II. In fine condition, with two punch holes to top edge, creasing to top left corner, and some light toning.
Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$75.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
