Eisenhower: President and General

Fascinating People Fascinating Places

By June 1944, the winds of war had changed. The German High Command was bracing for an invasion of mainland Europe by a liberating multi-national force. Kansas native, Dwight D Eisenhower was the Supreme Allied Commander of Operation Neptune (D-Day). The successful operation was a turning point in the war, and in Eisenhower’s life. Less than a decade later he made the switch from civilian to military leadership when he was sworn in as the 34th President of the United States.

In this episode I speak with two experts on Eisenhower’s life and legacy. Dawn Hammatt is the Director at Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene, KS. The campus includes a vast repository of documents and artifacts, including the table he used while planning D-Day.

Professor Benjamin P Greene (PhD Stanford) teaches history at Bowling Green University in Ohio. He is also the author of Science Advice, and the Nuclear Test-Ban Debate, 1945-1963

With special thanks to Samantha Prior of the Dwight D Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood home.

Sounds: Pixabay
Audio: Eisenhower D-day speech, final speech in office both public domain