Description
Crusade in Europe by Dwight D. Eisenhower, inscribed to Major General John W. Persons.
Octavo, xiv, [2], 559pp. Publisher’s tan cloth, title printed on spine. Title on spine lightly worn. Illustrated endpapers. Lacking first edition statement on copyright page. Publisher’s first state dust jacket, $5.00 on front flap, bright illustrations on cover and spine, light toning to spine, a near fine example. Includes laid-in photograph of Gen. Persons early in his career. Inscribed on half title by Dwight D. Eisenhower to then Colonel John W. Persons. Inscription reads: “With best wishes and personal regard to Colonel John W. Persons. Dwight D. Eisenhower.”
Major General John W. Persons was a career Air Force officer, brother of Alabama Governor S. Gordon Persons and White House Chief of Staff, Wilton Jerry Persons. General Persons directed pilot training at Maxwell Air Force Base just prior to World War II along with General Claire Chennault. He retired in 1959 as Commander of the 14th Air Force (Flying Tigers). The gift inscription on the half title, “To Papa – With a great deal of love,” is either from his wife or daughter, both named Juliette. Persons died in 1972.
