TLS, one page, 7.25 x 10.5, on personal letterhead, March 6, 1948. In a letter of gratitude for information passed on from a WWII soldier, Eisenhower writes, in full: “I am greatly pleased that you took time to write to me of your association with the 3118th Signal Service Battalion, and I certainly appreciate more than I can say the statistics you included. In my literary effort I had planned to use number of the figures you volunteered in your letter but, frankly, I did now [sic] know where to put my hands quickly on this type of information. Your letter provides in the main most of the answers for which I had been searching—for this I am truly indebted to you. I am, of course, delighted to hear of your enthusiasm and esprit for the organization which served my headquarters so conscientiously and well, for I have some understanding of the hardships and unusual circumstances under which it performed its essential role. Considering the many details of your letter and the specific facts it contained, I do not think it will be necessary for you to send the clipping file. However, should I find the need of additional information regarding the Signal Center’s work, I hope that I may feel free to write you again. Your amusing story of Sergeant Weinkrantz’s escapade, as well as your vivid recollection of other colorful incidents, was most interesting to us, generally speaking, I did not know of such occurrences.” In fine condition.
In 1944, Eisenhower was the Supreme Commander of the Allied Force at the COSSAC Supreme Headquarterss, while Franklin J. Walsh, the recipient of this letter, was a member of the 3118th Signal Service Battalion. As a part of that regiment, Walsh and his fellow servicemen deployed fake messages regarding potential invasion sites in France in an effort to confound and confuse the Nazis. Eisenhower gratefully recognizes and thanks the soldier for his victorious D-Day war efforts: “I am, of course, delighted to hear of your enthusiasm and esprit for the organization which served my headquarters so conscientiously and well, for I have some understanding of the hardships and unusual circumstances under which it performed its essential role.” A stellar piece of correspondence between veterans of Normandy, the most epic amphibious battle in history. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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