PRESIDENT DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 12/17/1955 - HFSID 287780

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER
Christmas letter on White House stationery to his World War II aide-de-camp, Ernest "Tex" Lee, sending him a lithograph from one of his paintings
Typed Letter signed: "D.E." as President, 1 page, 7x9. Washington, D.C., 1955 December 17. On White House letterhead to Mr. Ernest Rose Lee, Indianapolis, Indiana. In full: "Dear Tex, In the past I have inflicted on you lithographic reproductions of one or more of my 'paintings'. This year I was persuaded to try my hand at a scene near my favorite fishing camp in Fraser, Colorado. The result comes to you with my usual hesitation, but nonetheless with my best wishes for a happy holiday season for the entire Lee family. [Item not included.] With warm regards, Sincerely". Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969) commanded the US Army in Europe from June 1942 to December 1943, during which time he directed the victorious campaigns in North Africa and Sicily. At his side throughout was Colonel Ernest "Tex" Lee, his executive officer and aide-de-camp. Lee remained with Eisenhower when in 1944 he became Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces, planning the Normandy Invasion and the drive across France into Germany. Ike was US Army Chief of Staff and President of Columbia University before winning the first of his two terms as President. As President (1953-1961), Eisenhower - an amateur painter - often gave gifts of lithographs based on his paintings to friends and staff. As this letter attests, Tex Lee was on this gift list. One horizontal mailing fold. Corners lightly worn. Fine condition.