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Significant original mimeograph copy of General Dwight D. Eisenhower's historic announcement of the end of World War II in Europe, signed in fountain pen, "Dwight D. Eisenhower," one page, 8 x 10.5, headed "Top Secret, Top Secret, SHAEF Staff Message Control, Outgoing Message," May 7, 1945. Addressing "AGWAR for Combined Chiefs of Staff, AMSSO for British Chiefs of Staff," Eisenhower announces: "The mission of this Allied Force was fulfilled at 0241, local time, May 7th, 1945." Marked at the bottom right as "Copy No. 37." In fine condition.
At 0241 hours on May 7th, 1945, Colonel General Alfred Jodl signed the Instrument of Unconditional Surrender at the SHAEF War Room in Reims, France. His signature brought World War II to an end in Europe.
At 0320 hours the same morning, General Eisenhower, in his final act as Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force, sent this laconic "Top Secret" message to the Combined Chiefs of Staff: "The mission of this Allied Force was fulfilled at 0241, local time, May 7th, 1945." The message was designated "Top Secret" initially, as there were concerns about potential German resistance pockets and the need for coordinated announcements from all Allied powers.
In the celebratory aftermath of victory, a small number of copies of the historic message were produced and signed by Dwight D. Eisenhower as souvenirs of the occasion. Though unknown exactly how many were signed by Eisenhower, only seven examples have appeared at auction since 1945. This example, "No. 37," was presented to Col. James Gault (1902–1977), who served as military assistant to Eisenhower in the UK during the war. As a contemporary record of one of the most important communications of the 20th century, this is a remarkable and historic piece.
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