TLS signed “Dwight Eisenhower,” two pages, 8 x 10.5, War Department, Office of the Chief of Staff letterhead, March 14, 1935. Letter to a military history enthusiast. In part: “As requested in your letter of March 11th, General MacArthur has signed a photograph which I am forwarding to you today. At the General’s direction I have looked up the records of Sector Occupation for the 26th and 42nd Divisions. The recognized authority for such statistic is ‘Order of Battle of the United States Land Forces in the World War’…This book shows that the 26th Division entered the lines in the Chemin-des-Dames Sector on February 6th and remained there until March 22nd…The first time that the 42nd Division entered the lines as a separate unit and with full responsibility for the Divisional Sector was on March 31st…it seems that the 26th Division was the first of the National Guard Divisions to enter and occupy a position on the front lines. However the 42nd Division was apparently the first of the National Guard Divisions to enter the lines and take over exclusive responsibility, as a Division, for the area occupied…I have made this reply at General MacArthur’s request.” In fine condition, with staple holes to upper left corner. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA. While Eisenhower was in the military during WWI, he was never sent overseas—despite his repeated requests to go to the warfront. On the other hand, MacArthur was in the 42nd Division—the topic of this letter—and saw action on the front lines of battle throughout 1918 and 1919, emerging as a highly decorated soldier known for his leadership qualities. Eisenhower accompanied MacArthur to the Philippines in 1935, where he served as a military advisor to the government. The two had strong philosophical disagreements regarding the role of the Philippine Army, and the resulting antipathy between them lasted the rest of their lives. In addition to its excellent content, this is the earliest Eisenhower letter we have ever offered. RR Auction COA.
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