Description
Signed limited edition of On Active Service by Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson, inscribed to Major General John H. Hilldring, Assistant Secretary of State, Director of Civil Affairs during World War II, and U.S. Envoy to Israel.
Octavo, in two volumes, xxii, 320pp (Vol.1); vi, 323-698 (Vol.2). Blue cloth, title on label. Publisher’s original dust jackets in very good condition, noting “Autographed Edition, Two Volumes, Boxed” on covers, toning to spine, archival repairs to closed tears along top edge. Publisher’s original slipcase, with “Autographed Edition, Two Volumes, Boxed” noted on side panel, general wear and soiling to label. This is a limited edition printing of 1250 copies, with 750 being numbered and signed by Secretary Stimson. This copy was held for the author, who signed it on a tipped-in leaf before the title page. Additional inscription by Secretary of State Stimson: “To Major Gen. John H. Hilldring, with much respect and appreciation for his kindness.”
Major General John H. Hilldring, who is featured in this book by Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson, had a long and distinguished military career. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for valor during World War I. In 1943, he was assigned to direct the Civil Affairs Division, with direct responsibility over the production of ammunitions during the war. In 1946, he resigned from the military and was named Assistant Secretary of State for Occupied Areas in the U.S. State Department, with responsibility for relocating people from US Occupied Areas to the new state of Israel. Major General Hilldring died in 1974. The co-author of this work, McGeorge Bundy, went on to serve as National Security Advisor for Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. Stimson served as Secretary of War 1911-13, Secretary of State 1929-33 and again as Secretary of War from 1940-45.
