Carlo D'Este

Author Event: Carlo D'Este
Eisenhower: A Soldier's Life
April 29, 2004 

On April 29, 2004, biographer Carlo D'Este related highlights of his book, Eisenhower: A Soldier's Life, in a presentation sponsored by the Eisenhower Foundation of Abilene, KS. The event was part of a joint Eisenhower Institute/Foundation program anticipating the dedication of the World War II Memorial on May 29. Other events in the Memorial Dedication series include a May 27 book event with Rick Atkinson, who will speak on his Pulitzer Prize-winning book An Army at Dawn, at the National Press Club, and an afternoon program on May 28, honoring General Dwight Eisenhower's contributions during World War II.

In his lecture, D'Este, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel and military historian, focused on Eisenhower's leadership in Operation Overlord, the cross-Channel invasion of Normandy, particularly timely in light of the approaching 60th anniversary of D-Day. Describing, the challenges Eisenhower faced leading up to D-Day, D'Este recounted the myriad of ways the operation could have ended in disaster, and how Eisenhower skillfully managed conflicting subordinates, an elaborate campaign of deception to fool the Germans as to the location and time of the landings, and the difficult decision he alone would have to make to order the "go ahead" in the face of uncertain and dangerous weather conditions that could doom the invasion.

D'Este emphasized the deep sense of responsibility Eisenhower felt thought his service, but especially during the difficult days of Normandy, during which he acutely understood the potential loss of life should the operation fail. He read aloud Eisenhower's scribbled press release meant for publication should the worst happen, and handed to his chief of staff, General Walter "Beetle" Smith the day before the landings, as US airborne troops were already on their way to their drop zones behind the German lines in France: "Our landings have failed and I have withdrawn the troops. My decision to attack at this time and place was based on the best information available. The troops, the air and the Navy did all that bravery could do. If any blame or fault attaches to this attempt it is mine alone.''

Carlo D'Este is also the author of Patton: A Genius for War and three other books on World War II.  Transcript of his speech

Photo Gallery from the evening:  

Photo left: Eisenhower Institute board members - N.S. Jagannathan,  H. Roemer McPhee, and Paul T. O'Day.

Photo right: Author Carlo D'Este shakes hands with Stewart Etherington, chairman of The Eisenhower Foundation.