NNP

Dwight David Eisenhower

Biography

Born in Denison, Texas; grew up in Abilene, Kansas. Appointed to West Point in 1910. He played football until injured in 1912. He graduated in 1915 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the infantry.

Married Mamie Geneva Doud July 1, 1916. Their first son died in infancy. Their second son was John Sheldon Doud Eisenhower.

In the first World War, Eisenhower served in the United States. His orders for overseas duty were cancelled because of the Armistice. He studied the battlefields and tactics of the war.

Eisenhower was promoted to brigadier general September 29, 1941. He was promoted to lieutenant general November 8, 1942, and assigned command of troops landing in North Africa.

Eisenhower coordinated the invasion of Europe across the English channel June 6, 1944, known as "D-Day." Eisenhower accepted the unconditional surrender of Germany May 8, 1945. He served as commander of occupation forced in Europe.

Eisenhower returned in May 1948 to become the president of Columbia University. On December 18, 1950, he was appointed by President Truman as Supreme Allied Commander in Europe.

Both political parties sought Eisenhower as a candidate for President. In June 1952 he returned from Europe, retired from the Army, and began his campaign as the Republican candidate. He was elected November 4, 1952, and was inaugurated January 20, 1953. His Vice President was Richard Nixon. He was reelected in 1956 and completed the second term January 20, 1961. He died in Washington D. C.

Eisenhower appeared on two presidential mint medals. The medal for his first term (USM 133) had an obverse by Gilroy Roberts and reverse by Frank Gasparro. The second term medal (USM 134) had an obverse by Gilroy Roberts and reverse by von Hebel.

Eisenhower appears on the Assay Commission Medal for 1955 (AC-99), 1956 (AC-100) and 1958 (AC-102).

In 1971 Eisenhower was honored with his profile on the new copper-nickel clad dollars. This was the first circulating dollar coin produced since 1935. The reverse honored the landing of men on the moon. Dies were by Frank Gasparro. A temporary design change occurred for the 1976 Bicentennial issue. Production continued with the eagle reverse in 1977 and 1978.

Eisenhower appears twice on the obverse of the Eisenhower Centennial Dollar of 1990. The dies were produced by John Mercanti.

bio: BDEB; EAB; Failor; NCAB 56; WAB; WWWA-5

obit: CB May 69; NYT 3/29/69