Dwight David Eisenhower Biography

Appointed Chief of General Staff, chief of the war plans division

Appointed Chief of General Staff, chief of the war plans division

Appointed Commander in Chief

Appointed Commander in Chief

Appointed Commander of Allied forces in Northwest Africa

Appointed Commander of Allied forces in Northwest Africa

Opposes Churhills invasion of north Africa claiming it will jeopardise Roundup

Promoted to temporary Major General while serving on the War Department General Staff.

Appointed Assistant Chief of Staff in charge of the Operations Division for Army Chief of Staff George C. Marshall.

Conducts a mission to London to improve coordination between American and British military planning.

Eisenhower assumes command of the US Armys European Theatre of Operations (ETOUSA)

Promoted to temporary Lieutenant General while commanding American forces in the European theatre.

1st day of Operation Torch

Commands the Allied landings in French North Africa, indirectly securing the Mediterranean route to Egypt and the Suez Canal.

American troops land at Casablanca, Oran & Algiers overcoming Vichy resistance

American troops land at Casablanca, Oran & Algiers overcoming Vichy resistance

Appointed Army Brigadier General

Appointed Brigadier General

The invasion of France is called off because of the cost of Operation Torch in Africa

Appointed Supreme Allied Commander for western Europe. Appointed Supreme Allied Commander for the western Mediterranean. Appointed Supreme Allied Commander for North Africa

Appointed Supreme Allied Commander in western Europe. Appointed Supreme Allied Commander in the western Mediterranean. Appointed Supreme Allied Commander for North Africa

Supreme Allied commander for the attack of Sicily & the Axis "underbelly" in Europe

Supreme Allied commander for the attack of Sicily & the Axis "underbelly" in Europe

Promoted to temporary full General while commanding Allied forces in North Africa.

Eisenhowers forces capture the Italian island of Pantelleria

The Allies begin bombing the airfields of Siciliy as a prelude to invasion

The Allies begin bombing the airfields of Siciliy as a prelude to invasion

The Allies begin bombing the airfields of Siciliy as a prelude to invasion

The Allied invasion of Sicily begins

The Allies complete the capture of Sicily

Receives a permanent appointment as Brigadier General in the Regular Army.

Promoted permanently to Major General on the same day as his permanent brigadier-general appointment.

Allied commanders agree to postpone an invasion of Rhodes in order to hold Italy

Italy announces an armistice

Italy's surrender removes the country from the Axis war effort and opens the peninsula to further Allied operations.

Italy surrenders to the Allies

The 5th US Army lands in the Gulf of Salerno as part of an operation to capture Naples

Cables the Combined Chiefs of Staff calling for extra manpower & landing craft

Offerred 60 Landing Ship Tanks until 15 Dec

Appointed Supreme Allied Commander for Operation Overlord

Appointed Supreme Allied Commander for Operation Overlord

Appointed Supreme Allied Commander for Operation Overlord at the Cairo Conference

Churchill & Roosevelt agree General Eisenhower will command Allied forces for the invasion of Europe

Churchill & Roosevelt agree General Eisenhower will command Allied forces for the invasion of Europe

Churchill & Roosevelt agree Gen Eisenhower will command Allied forces for the planned invasion of Europe, Eisenhowers appointment as Supreme Commander, Allied Expeditionary Force, publicly announced by Roosevelt

Following Eisenhowers and Montgomerys revisions it is expanded to landings by 5 divisions and airborne descents by 3 divisions, in total, 47 divisions would be committed to the Battle of Normandy: 19 British, 5 Canadian, 21 US & 1 Free French

In December 1943, Operation Postage Able used an X-craft to collect suitable data for all of the Normandy beaches. Following Eisenhowers and Montgomerys revisions it is expanded to landings by 5 divisions and airborne descents by 3 divisions, in total, 47 divisions would be committed to the Battle of Normandy: 19 British, 5 Canadian, 21 US & 1 Free French

In December 1943, Operation Postage Able used an X-craft to collect suitable data for all of the Normandy beaches

Carries out a plan to bomb the French railway system, despite Churchills opposition

Arrives in England to assume duties as Supreme Allied Commander of Operation Overlord. Carries out a plan to bomb the French railway system, despite Churchills opposition

Arrives in England to assume duties as Supreme Allied Commander of Operation Overlord

The Allies agree the plans for D-Day

The directive appointing Eisenhower Supreme Allied Commander for Overlord is issued

The directive appointing Eisenhower Supreme Allied Commander for Overlord is issued. Appointed Supreme Allied Commander

The directive appointing Eisenhower Supreme Allied Commander for Overlord is issued. Appointed Supreme Allied Commander

US D-Day beach landing training exercise (Operation Beaver) at Slapton Sands, Devon, demonstrate a dangerous lack of coordination between units

US D-Day beach landing training exercise (Operation Beaver) at Slapton Sands, Devon, demonstrate a dangerous lack of coordination between units

Montgomery presents his strategy for the invasion at St Pauls School, a ninety day battle, ending when all the forces reach the Seine, pivoting on an Allied-held Caen, with British and Canadian armies forming a shoulder & US armies wheeling right

German torpedo boats nearly discover a mock landing but all 600 soldiers are drowned

Bayeux became a strategic transit and support centre for Eisenhower's Allied armies.

The Allied invasion force of 150,000 departs from England on 5,300 ships

The weather in the Channel deteriorates & the Allied invasion force is recalled

Postpones Operation Overlord, due 5th June, because of bad weather

Writes a brief statement accepting personal responsibility in case the Normandy landings fail.

176,000 men & 20,000 vehicles are to be landed in 2 days

Gives the go ahead for Operation Overlord for 6th June

Issues his Order of the Day to Allied soldiers, sailors and airmen as the Normandy invasion begins.

The Allies land 130,000 men & 22,000 parachutists & lose 9,500 killed or wounded. The Allied landings take place with 487,653 men & 89,728 making it ashore. Plans & commands the Allied capture of Germany from D-Day

Eisenhower's command relied on Bayeux as an undamaged link between the beaches and the fighting front.

Churchill asks Eisenhower to cancel Dragoon in order to break the deadllock at Caen

Churchill asks Eisenhower to cancel Dragoon in order to break the deadllock at Caen

Pattons 3rd Army is given the task of occupying the French region of Lorraine, General Hodgess First Army is ordered to breakthrough the front near the German city of Aachen

Pattons 3rd Army is given the task of occupying the French region of Lorraine, General Hodgess First Army is ordered to breakthrough the front near the German city of Aachen. Decides the next target would be the occupation of the Ruhr, the heartland of Germany's industrial capabilities

Pattons 3rd Army is given the task of occupying the French region of Lorraine, General Hodgess First Army is ordered to breakthrough the front near the German city of Aachen

Assumes direct operational command of Allied ground forces in northwest Europe as the campaign advances beyond Normandy.

The US 1st & 30th divisions of infantry capture Aachen

Orders destruction of German forces west of the Rhine to establish bridgeheads

Orders destruction of German forces west of the Rhine to establish bridgeheads

Orders the November Offensive which destroys all German forces west of the River Rhine

The US 28th Div of V Corps is repulsed at Schmidt

The Allies capture Strasburg

Maintains his broad-front approach for the continuing Allied advance.

Insists that the advance into the Rhine be on a broad front

Meets senior Allied commanders to review operations toward the Rhine.

The Allies are take by surprise, Eisenhower commits the 82nd & 101st Airborne Divs

Promoted to the five-star rank of General of the Army.

Appointed Member of Allied Control Commission

Appointed Member of Allied Control Commission

Initial Member of Allied Control Commission over Germany

Decides to leave Berlin to the Russians

Stops at the Elbe & turns to the Alps where he beleives Hitler is forming a redoubt

The Allies capture the Remagen Bridge, still intact, just South of Bonn

US troops in Germany cross the River Rhine at Nierstein & Oppenheim

Visits the liberated Ohrdruf concentration camp and urges extensive documentation of Nazi atrocities.

The US & Soviet troops meet Leckwitz & Torgau on the River Elbe

Becomes Military Governor of the United States occupation zone in Germany after the German surrender.

Responsible for ordering the occupation of the US controlled part of Germany

Planned & commanded the capture of Germany until VE-Day

Germany's unconditional surrender ends organised German resistance in Europe.

Accepts the unconditional surrender of the Germans

The day that marks victory in Europe for the Allies in World War II, the defining events were the Germans unconditional surrender Eisenhower at Rheims, France, and to the Soviets in Berlin on May 7, President Truman announces victory at 9 AM

Designated Chief of Staff of the United States Army.

His wartime five-star rank of General of the Army is made permanent.

Publication of "Crusade In Europe"

Leaves active Army leadership to take up the presidency of Columbia University.

Inaugurated as president of Columbia University.

Appointed Supreme Commander of NATO forces in Europe

Appointed Supreme Commander of NATO forces in Europe

Appointed Supreme Commander of NATO forces in Europe

Steps down as the military chief of NATO

Steps down as the military chief of NATO

Steps down as the military chief of NATO

Retires from active military service before entering the presidential campaign.

Launches his active campaign for the Republican presidential nomination in Abilene, Kansas.

Wins the Republican Party nomination for President at the national convention.

Appointed Republican candidate for the Presidential elections

Wins the presidential election and becomes President-elect of the United States.

Begins a fact-finding visit to Korea, fulfilling his campaign pledge to inspect the stalemated war personally.

Appointed President of the USA, 34th President, 1st term

Signs a truce ending the Korean War

Ends the Truman-era neutralization of the Taiwan Strait by the U.S. Seventh Fleet.

Inaugurated President of the USA, 34th

Cabinet members begin taking office on the day after Eisenhower's inauguration.

The Department of Health, Education and Welfare is created during Eisenhower's first months in office.

Delivers the Chance for Peace address, calling for reduced international tensions and warning about the economic burden of armaments.

Issues Executive Order 10450 establishing a government-wide security program for federal employment.

Announces a large-scale American food-relief programme for East Germans following the June uprising.

An armistice is agreed, south Koreas independence is secured

An armistice is agreed, south Koreas independence is secured

An armistice is agreed, south Koreas independence is secured

Signs the Small Business Act, creating the United States Small Business Administration.

The United States Information Agency begins operations as the administration consolidates overseas information programs.

Large-scale exchange of prisoners begins after the Korean armistice under Operation Big Switch.

Approves the NSC 162/2 framework associated with the New Look strategy, emphasizing deterrence and a strong nuclear posture.

Begins talks with British and French leaders at Bermuda, including discussion of atomic information and Western strategy.

Meets Churchill & Laniel, the French PM

President Dwight D Eisenhower envisioned the creation of this international body to control and develop the use of atomic energy, in his "Atoms for Peace" speech before the United Nations General Assembly

President Dwight D Eisenhower envisioned the creation of this international body to control and develop the use of atomic energy, in his "Atoms for Peace" speech before the United Nations General Assembly

President Dwight D Eisenhower envisioned the creation of this international body to control and develop the use of atomic energy, in his "Atoms for Peace" speech before the United Nations General Assembly

The US closes its consulate. The US consulate is placed under siege to deprive it of supplies

The first nuclear-powered submarine, USS Nautilus, is launched during Eisenhower's administration.

The United States conducts Castle Bravo, its most powerful nuclear test and a major source of radioactive fallout.

The US carries out the 1st hydrogen bomb test in Bikini Atoll

The US carries out the first hydrogen bomb test in Bikini Atoll

The US & Japan sign a mutual Defence Treaty

According to Eisenhower the Hydrogen Bomb test exceeds all expectations

According to Eisenhower the hydrogen bomb test exceeds all expectations

Supports continued use of foreign aid for France in Indochina

US ships are sent to patrol the Gulf on Tonkin

United States ships patrol the Tonkin Gulf as Washington increases naval attention to the conflict in Indochina.

The US begins to prepare for limited military intervention. Dien Bien Phu falls to the Communists

The Act authorises American participation in constructing the Saint Lawrence Seaway.

The Supreme Court rules segregated public schools unconstitutional, creating a major civil-rights challenge for the administration.

The US does not want to recognize Beijing & Hanoi. Seeks unification through free elections supervised by the UN. Ignores the "Final Declaration", pledges unity through United Nations supervised elections. Ignores the "Final Declaration". Despite general agreement the "Final Declaration" is not signed

Seeks unification through free elections supervised by the UN. Ignores the "Final Declaration", pledges unity through United Nations supervised elections

The US does not want to recognize Beijing & Hanoi

Refuses further military aid to France in South East Asia

CIA supported military forces invade Guatemala from Honduras

CIA supported military forces invade Guatemala from Honduras

The United Nations Security Council calls for a cessation of hostilities in Guatemala

The United Nations Security Council calls for a cessation of hostilities in Guatemala

Begins several days of talks with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill on world peace and Cold War strategy.

The Big Four sign an agreement to end the Indochina War

Signs the Communist Control Act during the height of domestic Cold War anti-communism.

Social Security coverage is expanded to millions of additional workers, including farmers and many self-employed professionals.

The Southeast Asia Collective Defense Treaty is signed, creating the framework for SEATO.

Participates in the first televised meeting of a United States Cabinet.

The United States proposed to the General Assembly the creation of an international agency to take control of fissile material, which could be used either for nuclear power or for nuclear weapons. This agency would establish a kind of "nuclear bank." It had become clear that the Soviet Union would reject any international custody of fissile material, but that a clearing house for nuclear transactions might be possible

The United States proposed to the General Assembly the creation of an international agency to take control of fissile material, which could be used either for nuclear power or for nuclear weapons. This agency would establish a kind of "nuclear bank." It had become clear that the Soviet Union would reject any international custody of fissile material, but that a clearing house for nuclear transactions might be possible

The US closes its consulate

The Senate censures Senator Joseph McCarthy, marking the collapse of his political influence during Eisenhower's presidency.

The USA adopts the policy of supporting Chiang Kai-sheks regime in Taiwan. Obtains authority from the House of Representitives & Congress to support Taiwan

Signs the Formosa Resolution, authorizing the use of American forces to defend Taiwan and the Pescadores.

American naval forces assist the evacuation of Nationalist Chinese forces and civilians from the Tachen Islands.

Eisenhower indicates willingness to resort to nuclear weapons in the event of war

Eisenhower indicates willingness to resort to nuclear weapons in the event of war

The State Department releases previously secret papers concerning the 1945 Yalta Conference.

Asks Congress for $3,530 million for foreign aid

The four occupying powers and Austria sign the State Treaty restoring Austrian sovereignty.

The USA sends Admiral Radford to Taiwan to state it will only protect mainland Taiwan

Attends the Geneva Summit conference

Opens the Geneva summit with Britain, France and the Soviet Union, focusing on security and East-West tensions.

Proposes reciprocal aerial reconnaissance over military installations to reduce the risk of surprise attack.

From 8 to 20 August 1955, the United Nations held the International Conference on the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy in Geneva

From 8 to 20 August 1955, the United Nations held the International Conference on the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy in Geneva

Suffers a serious heart attack while in Colorado and temporarily reduces his official schedule.

A meeting of the foreign ministers of the four major powers opens in Geneva following the summer summit.

Appointed President of the USA, 34th President, 2nd term

Meets British Prime Minister Anthony Eden in Washington for talks on international affairs.

Announces that he will seek a second presidential term.

Undergoes emergency surgery for ileitis while serving as President.

The Act launches construction of the Interstate Highway System.

Establishes the President's Council on Youth Fitness to promote physical fitness among American young people.

Eisenhower's administration withdraws its offer to support financing of the Aswan High Dam.

A Conference on the IAEA Statute was held at the Headquarters of the United Nations to approve the founding document for the IAEA, which was negotiated in 1955-1956 by a group of twelve countries

A Conference on the IAEA Statute was held at the Headquarters of the United Nations to approve the founding document for the IAEA, which was negotiated in 1955-1956 by a group of twelve countries

A Conference on the IAEA Statute was held at the Headquarters of the United Nations to approve the founding document for the IAEA, which was negotiated in 1955-1956 by a group of twelve countries

Receives the Republican presidential nomination for a second term.

Launches the People-to-People initiative to encourage citizen-level international exchanges.

The Agencys genesis was Eisenhowers "Atoms for Peace" address to the General Assembly of the United Nations 1953. these ideas help shape the IAEA Statute, which 81 nations unanimously approve in October 1956

The Statute outlines the three pillars of the Agency's work - nuclear verification and security, safety and technology transfer. The Agency's genesis was Eisenhower's "Atoms for Peace" address to the General Assembly of the United Nations 1953. these ideas help shape the IAEA Statute, which 81 nations unanimously approve in October 1956

Wins reelection to a second term as President of the United States.

Offers to admit refugees fleeing the crushed Hungarian uprising.

The Doctrine is approved by Congress & signed by Eisenhower. Meats MacMillan at Bermuda who agrees to base 60 Thor missiles on British soil. Gives assurances of military assistance in the event of Communist attack. Fills up the vacuum in the Middle East created by the British withdrawal

Asks Congress for authority to provide economic and military assistance to Middle Eastern states threatened by communist aggression.

Takes the public oath of office for his second presidential term.

The Doctrine is approved by Congress & signed by Eisenhower

Begins a conference with British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan that helps restore close Anglo-American cooperation after Suez.

The United States resumes military aid to Yugoslavia during Eisenhower's second term.

Receives Japanese Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi as the two governments discuss security relations and withdrawal of American ground forces.

The United States proposes a ban on nuclear tests once an effective international inspection system is established.

The International Geophysical Year begins, supporting multinational scientific research and the American satellite effort.

The Statute of the IAEA was approved on 23 October 1956 and came into force on 29 July 1957

The Statute of the IAEA was approved on 23 October 1956 and came into force on 29 July 1957

The Statute of the IAEA was approved on 23 October 1956 and came into force on 29 July 1957

Signs the Civil Rights Act of 1957, the first federal civil-rights law enacted since Reconstruction.

Meets Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus for two hours over the Little Rock school integration crisis.

Federalizes the Arkansas National Guard and directs federal forces to enforce school desegregation in Little Rock.

The Soviet launch of Sputnik intensifies Eisenhower administration efforts in science, missiles and space technology.

Suffers a mild stroke but recovers and continues his presidential duties.

National Defence Education Act pumps $2B PA into education to win the "brain race"

Announces a nuclear test ban for 1 year

The United States launches Explorer I, its first successful artificial satellite.

The Department of Defense establishes ARPA as the administration accelerates advanced research after Sputnik.

Signs the Alaska Statehood Act authorizing admission of Alaska to the Union.

Orders United States Marines into Lebanon at the request of President Camille Chamoun during the Middle East crisis.

Signs legislation creating NASA, the agency that later runs Apollo.

Signs legislation strengthening the authority of the Secretary of Defense and improving unified military command arrangements.

The shelling of Quemoy and Matsu begins a new Taiwan Strait crisis requiring major American military and diplomatic attention.

Signs the National Defense Education Act to expand federal support for science, mathematics, languages and higher education.

The United States joins a voluntary nuclear testing moratorium while negotiations for a comprehensive test ban continue.

NASA begins operations, absorbing the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics and becoming the civilian space agency.

The final United States forces leave Lebanon after the political crisis stabilizes.

Attends but a Treaty is not agreed due to US opposition, the "big hole" theory

Alaska becomes the 49th state of the Union

Signs the act providing for Hawaii's admission as a state.

The Saint Lawrence Seaway opens to navigation, completing a major United States-Canadian infrastructure project backed by Eisenhower.

Joins Queen Elizabeth II in formally opening the Saint Lawrence Seaway.

Hawaii formally enters the Union as the fiftieth state during Eisenhower's presidency.

Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev begins an unprecedented visit to the United States.

Begins talks with Nikita Khrushchev at Camp David on Berlin and wider East-West tensions.

Departs on an eleven-nation goodwill tour intended to strengthen alliances and demonstrate personal diplomacy.

The USA has given $2billion in aid & stationed 685 non combat advisers in South Vietnam

The United States continues development of the Polaris submarine launched ballistic missile as a strategic nuclear weapon

The USA has given $2billion in aid & stationed 685 non combat advisers in South Vietnam

A B-52 bomber carrying two 24 megaton bombs crashes, one of the bombs, five of six interlocking safety devices fail, and a single switch prevents detonation, the explosion would have been 1,800 times more powerful than Hiroshima

Begins a South American goodwill mission known as Operation Amigo, visiting Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Uruguay.

Approves CIA training and equipment for Cuban exiles against Castro.

Eisenhower approves a covert programme supporting Cuban opposition to Castro.

Eisenhower authorises the CIA programme to organise, train and equip Cuban opponents of Castro.

Signs the Civil Rights Act of 1960, strengthening federal protection of voting records and enforcement procedures.

Khruschev demands Eisenhower stop U-2 spying over Russia, he refuses

Before the Summit Khruschev demands Eisenhower stop U-2 spying over Russia, he refuses

Khruschev demands Eisenhower stop U-2 spying over Russia, he refuses

Attends the Allied Summit in Paris

Cancels a planned visit to Japan amid intense political demonstrations over the revised security treaty.

Begins a Far East trip covering the Philippines, Taiwan and Korea after the planned Japan visit becomes untenable.

Begins a state visit to the Philippines during his final year in office.

Visits South Korea during the Far East tour and meets leaders and American personnel.

Supports United Nations involvement as the newly independent Congo descends into political and military crisis.

USS George Washington successfully fires Polaris missiles while submerged

Records a message transmitted in connection with the Echo I communications-satellite experiment.

Eisenhower approves a thirteen-million-dollar budget for the covert Cuban operation.

Eisenhower approves additional funding for training, aircraft and covert facilities.

Failed infiltrations lead planners to develop a larger amphibious assault by Cuban exiles.

USS George Washington begins the first Polaris deterrent patrol with nuclear armed submarine launched ballistic missiles

Eisenhower approves continued development of the amphibious invasion concept.

Eisenhower reviews the invasion concept with senior intelligence, defence and diplomatic officials.

The Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff complete SIOP-62, plans for the launch of more than 3,000 nuclear weapons, including hundreds of hydrogen bombs, to attack in the first few hours of conflict 1,000 targets in Communist countries

Breaks off diplomatic relations with Cuba

Breaks off diplomatic relations with Cuba

The White House Conference on Aging opens as the administration addresses policy for an expanding elderly population.

Delivers his Farewell Address, warning of the potential influence of the military-industrial complex and emphasizing balanced national policy.

Leaves the presidency and retires to his farm near the Gettysburg battlefield.

President Kennedy restores Eisenhower to the active list of the Regular Army with the rank of General of the Army.

The United States nuclear testing moratorium ends

The United States and the Soviet Union sign a "Joint Statement of Agreed Principles for Disarmament Negotiations," the McCloy-Zorin Accords

The United States and the Soviet Union sign a "Joint Statement of Agreed Principles for Disarmament Negotiations," the McCloy-Zorin Accords

The United Nations General Assembly adopts the McCloy-Zorin Accords

The United Nations General Assembly adopts the McCloy-Zorin Accords

The United Nations General Assembly adopts the McCloy-Zorin Accords

The United Nations General Assembly adopts the McCloy-Zorin Accords

Publication of "Mandate for Change"

Publication of "Mandate for Change"

Suffers a serious heart attack that sharply reduces his participation in public affairs.

Death of Dwight D Eisenhower

State funeral ceremonies begin in Washington, including procession to the United States Capitol where he lies in state.

Buried at the Place of Meditation on the grounds of the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene, Kansas.