sold Signed Photograph of Dwight D. Eisenhower Accepting His General’s Star

On September 29, 1941, Ike was promoted to brigadier general, and was holding that rank on the staff of General George C. Marshall when the United States entered World War II. In February 1942, he was selected chief of the Army's war plans division, and in keeping with his added responsibilities received a promotion to the rank of major general. He impressed those he worked with and was quickly considered for even more important work. With a greater role imminent, in June he was again promoted, this time to lieutenant general.

In November 1942 he became Commander in Chief of Allied Forces in the North Atlantic, directing the invasions of Sicily and Italy. Then on December 24, 1943, Ike was named to his most important role, that of Supreme Commander, Allied Expeditionary Force, leading the invasion of Europe.

An 8 by 10 inch photograph of Ike in his one-star brigadier general’s uniform, standing at attention and saluting. He has inscribed and signed the photograph “To George Albert Ingham, with best wishes, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Major General.” On the verso is written “6-12-42,” which may well be the date the autograph was obtained.

The photograph itself was taken at some time from September 29, 1941, the date of his promotion to brigadier general, to November 14, 1941, the date on a copy of this photograph Ike sent to his parents which is preserved at the Eisenhower Library. That Library suggests that it shows him receiving his first promotion to general, so the date of September 29 is likely.

This photograph was signed between February and June 1942, as he was only a major general during that time span. A stunning photograph of Ike, one of which he was sufficiently proud to send a copy to his parents. Their copy was inscribed "To my parents: with the love and affection of their devoted son. Dwight D. Eisenhower, Brigadier General – J.G., Nov. 14, 1941."