Description:

GEN. DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER'S "SECRET" REPORT ON THE SICILIAN CAMPAIGN
Important war-date typed manuscript signed in type, 32pp. legal folio, "ALLIED FORCE HEADQUARTERS" [London], [n.d., ca. late 1943], titled: "COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF'S DISPATCH SICILIAN CAMPAIGN 1943", with every page stamped "SECRET". This report is Eisenhower's military evaluation of the campaign broken down into ten chapters, including planning, strategic considerations, change of plan, preparations, airborne assaults, landings, conquest, and Eisenhower's candid evaluation of his performance and those of his subordinates. This is a very detailed report, citing all of the strengths and shortcomings of U.S. forces as well of those of its allies. Eisenhower describes operations, movements, losses and gains in such depth that we cannot offer all of the meaningful excerpts here. Very briefly, he mentions that the decision to invade Sicily was made at Casablanca in January, 1943 once Tunisia had been taken. Originally, Sardinia had been the target, but that plan was shelved. Ike was especially concerned about an end run by Germany through Spain and Gibraltar through Morocco, and maintained a heavy defensive force ready in the U.K. Ike was also greatly concerned over the possibility of German reinforcements being ferried across the Straits of Messina, an area completely out of Allied control, and the urgent need to take several airfields in the south of the island at the earliest opportunity. Eisenhower documents the intense efforts made to coordinate land, naval and air contingents of the invasion, and his decoy deployment of naval forces to the western coasts of Greece and Crete. An excellent description is given of strategic bombing attacks on airfields and communications, with some sharp criticism of British pilots releasing gliders too soon and thus causing them to ditch into the sea. Other parachutists and their planes were shot-down by friendly fire after straying off course. Eisenhower then describes land operations -- the British and American drives northward, and the difficulties Patton encountered along the northern coast road (ameliorated somewhat by "hopscotch" coastal landings). He concludes: "Early in the morning on August 17th patrols of the U.S. 3rd Division entered MESSINA, not far ahead of patrols from Eighth Army". He comments: "...The shock of the invasion...exposed the bankruptcy of the Fascist regime, and led directly to its overthrow...ITALY had been out of the war since the invasion of SICILY...our [airborne] technique was not good. Crews of planes were inadequately trained...our losses were inexcusably high...with a large measure falling upon me because of my failure to make better provision...airborne troops contributed markedly to the success...". Much more excellent content! Fine condition. From the estate of the recipient, Col. Ernest "Tex" Lee, who served throughout the war as Eisenhower's Executive Officer and Aide de Camp. Lee joined Ike in June, 1941 and assisted in the planning of the invasions at Normandy and the ultimate defeat of Germany. Accompanied by a letter from Lee's son indicating that Col. Lee had stated to his family that he had obtained the Eisenhower report directly from Ike during the European war and that it has remained in the family since that time.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipment is sent USPS priority, USPS International Express (for most overseas) or UPS Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling, shipping and insurance charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyer's should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. Customer's who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee.

June 4, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 22.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 + $1,000