WALLACE C. STROBEL - TYPESCRIPT SIGNED - HFSID 204076

WALLACE C. STROBEL
Lieutenant paratrooper from famous pre-D-Day picture of Eisenhower writes account of the meeting, signs name in black ink
Typescript signed: "Wallace C. Strobel" in black ink. 1 page, 8½x11. April 1990. Titled "The Eve of D-Day", the narrative relates a conversation Stobel shared with General Dwight D. Eisenhower on June 5, 1944 in Greenham County, England, U.K. In full: "His words were not 'total victory', as might be expected before one of the war's greatest battles, but rather 'What's your name, lieutenant?' and 'Where are you from?' 'Strobel' and 'Michigan, sir,' were the replies. Ike recalled in some detail the spectacular fishing he had enjoyed there. The, quickly, he moved on, the photographers having captured the exchange on film. Over the years the photograph has found its way into countless publications about World War II, and almost always the caption has read 'Ike urging his troops on to total victory.' I have to smile along with the others who were there because we all know what was really said. You see, I was that Number 23." Lieutenant Wallace C. Stobel (1922-1999) gained distinction when he was pictured alongside General Dwight D. Eisenhower speaking to paratroopers of the 101st Airborne Division on June 5, 1944, the day before the infamous Normandy invasion, often considered the most famous picture of the future president. Strobel is the young paratrooper with the blackened face with his jumpmaster's No. 23 hanging from a string around his neck, and was celebrating his 22nd birthday. The paratroopers were being briefed and awaiting invasion orders, preparing to be dropped behind Utah Beach in the pre-dawn hours; Eisenhower had been advised by his tactical air commander that 50 percent of the paratroopers would be dead before they hit the ground, and that 70 percent of the gliders would be lost in the initial air assault. In fact, Eisenhower had been advised by the British Air Marshall to cancel the drop, who considered the result to be a futile slaughter of two airborne divisions. Although in agony over the thought of heavy casualties, Eisenhower decided to push ahead with the attack, but wished to spend the evening before visiting with the troops, eventually stopping to talk to Strobel. Although many media accounts insist it was Eisenhower rallying the troops for the oncoming battle, Strobel recalls that it was actually a conversation about his home state of Michigan and fishing. Strobel lived through D-Day, and went on to fight throughout Europe, his military career ending in the Battle of the Bulge at the end of that year. Strobel died in 1999, and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Slightly toned. Corners rounded. Small pin-sized stains in top margin. Otherwise, fine condition.