I am always ready: Eisenhower's Biography

Author: Dest Zhang He
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-09-01
Features: He made war, and war made him. – Time magazine
You accomplished your task with the greatest victory in the history of war, excellently commanding the most powerful army ever assembled, and successfully resolved all imaginable difficulties involving the interests of various countries. – On May 8, 1945, the day the German army surrendered unconditionally, U.S. Army Chief of Staff George Marshall sent a telegraph to Eisenhower: Generous in spirit, cheerful in nature. – General Patton’s evaluation of Eisenhower
This is the most thorough and best-written work I have ever read. – New York Times Book Review
This is a beautiful and brilliant biography. The author’s research is incisive and penetrating, with a clear stance, a compassionate heart, and a masterful storytelling technique. – Historian Martin Blumenson
Dwight David Eisenhower (1890.10.14–1969.3.28) was the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in World War II and served as President of the United States from 1953 to 1961. Eisenhower came from a poor farming family and saved money for tuition by working. Later, he chose to become a soldier and entered West Point. During World War I, Eisenhower longed to fight on the front lines but was assigned to a tank training camp, which frustrated him greatly. He was repeatedly transferred to be a football coach, and his prospects seemed bleak. The soldier’s life was extremely poor and hard, but he never gave up his love for the military and patiently waited for his chance. When World War II broke out, the middle-aged Eisenhower insisted on fighting and became the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in 1943. With his outstanding military art and diplomatic talent, he united forces representing diverse interests, even those in conflict, to give the Allies full combat readiness. On June 6, 1944, he successfully commanded the D-Day Normandy Landing, creating one of the most brilliant victories in a soldier’s life. Eisenhower had to endure long-term, relentless pressure, even working like a slave, but he always smiled and rarely spoke. The first 52 years of his life were filled with twists, frustrations, and pressure, yet he never lost his ambition or desire for success, nor did his passion for learning fade. He always approached his work with a strong sense of responsibility and constantly planned and prepared for the future. Through extraordinary efforts, Eisenhower climbed step by step to the pinnacle of success.
This book has been hailed by the New York Times as the “most thorough and best-written biography.” The author, Carlo Deste, is a renowned contemporary military historian and biographer, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, and particularly skilled in the study of Eisenhower and Patton. His masterful storytelling technique, incisive research, and compassionate heart have earned him widespread acclaim and the favor of countless readers.