WALLACE C. STROBEL - TYPESCRIPT SIGNED - HFSID 204076
Sale Price $225.00
Reg. $280.00
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.
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