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World War II–dated TLS signed “Sincerely, Dwight D. Eisenhower,” one page, 8 x 10.5, Supreme Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Force, Office of the Supreme Commander letterhead, July 13, 1945. Letter to Lt. General Sir Miles C. Dempsey, commanding general of the Second British Army, addressed in Eisenhower's hand, "Dear Dempsey." In full: "Combined Command terminates at midnight tonight, 13 July 1945, and brings to a close one of the greatest and most successful campaigns ever fought.
History alone will judge the Allied Expeditionary Force in its true perspective, but we, who have worked and struggled together, can feel nothing but pride in the achievements of the men we have been honored to command, and sadness at having to be parted now. Whatever history may relate about the exploits of this Allied Force, and the memory of man is short and fickle, it is only we, at this time, who can fully appreciate the merit and due worth of the accomplishments of this great Allied team.
These accomplishments are not limited to the defeat of the Nazi hordes in battle—a continent has been liberated from all that is an antipathy to the ideal of democracy which is our common heritage. Above all, we have proved to the whole world that the British and American peoples can forever be united in purpose, in deed and in death for the cause of liberty.
This great experiment of integrated command, whose venture was cavilled at by some and doubted by many, has achieved unqualified success, and this has only been made possible by the sympathetic, unselfish and unwavering support which you and all other commanders have wholeheartedly given me. Your own brilliant performance is already a matter of history.
My gratitude to you is a small token for the magnificent service which you have rendered, and my simple expression of thanks sounds totally inadequate. Time and opportunity prohibit the chance I should like to shake you and your men by the hand, and thank each one of you personally for all you have done. I can do nothing more than assure you of my lasting appreciation, which I would ask you to convey to all those under your command for their exemplary devotion to duty and for the most magnificent loyalty which has ever been shown to a commander." In fine condition. Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope.
Dwight D. Eisenhower served as the Supreme Commander of the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF), the central command of Allied forces in Western Europe during World War II. Under his leadership, SHAEF orchestrated the successful D-Day invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, and directed the subsequent liberation of Nazi-occupied Europe, coordinating military operations among American, British, Canadian, and other Allied forces. Eisenhower’s diplomatic skill and strategic coordination were instrumental in maintaining unity among the Allies. Following the unconditional surrender of Germany in May 1945 and the end of combat operations in Europe, SHAEF's mission was complete, and it was formally dissolved on July 14, 1945.
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