preview

Dwight D. Eisenhower: A Lifetime of Service Essay

Best Essays

Dwight D. Eisenhower: A Lifetime of Service "Beware the military-industrial complex," warned Dwight Eisenhower in his farewell address to the nation he had served his entire life. Dwight Eisenhower served his country for many years, and his service has greatly impacted this nations history and future. From his service in the military, to his time as president, he has guided the United States through some of it's most difficult years. He will always be remembered for his ability to lead. This ability came from his childhood, when he learned important lessons and strong ideals that led to his success in the Oval Office. Dwight D. Eisenhower was born in Denison, Texas, in the year 1890. His upbringing, though, was largely in Abilene, …show more content…

Finishing at the top of his class, this achievement gained him respect amongst the higher ranking members of the military. Soon, his time to lead would come when ethnic diversities and old treaty provisions sparked the second World War. After the outbreak of World War II, it became apparent that the United States would be a decisive factor in the outcome of the war. On December 7th, 1941, the attack on Pearl Harbor sparked U.S. military intervention in both Europe and the Pacific. Looking for a man to lead, the senior officers selected Eisenhower for the job. All of Eisenhowers training and education was about to be tested. He was named Supreme Commander of the allied forces in the European Theater. He immediately had to face important decisions regarding the allied plans. Eisenhower was a strong supporter of an allied invasion of France, but Great Britain had other objectives. Eisenhower reluctantly organized an invasion of Africa, before heading to Sicily and Italy. While fairly new to the political scene, Eisenhower soon became an expert at navigating it's challenges. After the invasion of North Africa, known as Operation Torch, Eisenhower prepared for what may have been his defining moment. The invasion of France, known as Operation Overlord, was arguably the climactic moment in both World War II and Eisenhower's career("Dwight David Eisenhower"). Eisenhower, who had grown up on a small town in Kansas, was now

Get Access