Eisenhower, Dwight D.

Silver four-star insigne (2 7/8 x 7/8 in.; 75 x 21 mm) with locking "safety-pin" attachment — Typed letter signed by Eisenhower, 1 page (8 x 6 in.; 203 x 152 mm) on letterhead of Supreme Headquarters | Allied Expeditionary Force | Office of the Supreme Commander, datelined in Eisenhower's hand "France, 1944," directed "To An American Citizen"; a little soiled, two tears at bottom just touching first numeral of date artlessly mended on verso with transparent tape, marginal adhesive stains on verso presumably from the letter being pasted into an album — Typed letter signed by Mrs. Eisenhower, 1 page (9 1/2 x 7 1/4 in.; 242 x 184 mm), [Washington, D.C.,] 12 February 1945, to Frederick W. Gehle, New York State Chairman of the War Finance Committee; verso lightly browned, perhaps from adhesive residue

Silver four-star insignia (2 7/8 x 7/8 in.; 75 x 21 mm) with locking "safety-pin" attachment — Typed letter signed by Eisenhower, 1 page (8 x 6 in.; 203 x 152 mm) on letterhead of Supreme Headquarters | Allied Expeditionary Force | Office of the Supreme Commander, datelined in Eisenhower's hand "France, 1944," directed "To An American Citizen"; a little soiled, two tears at bottom just touching first numeral of date artlessly mended on verso with transparent tape, marginal adhesive stains on verso presumably from the letter being pasted into an album — Typed letter signed by Mrs. Eisenhower, 1 page (9 1/2 x 7 1/4 in.; 242 x 184 mm), [Washington, D.C.,] 12 February 1945, to Frederick W. Gehle, New York State Chairman of the War Finance Committee; verso lightly browned, perhaps from adhesive residue
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A General's stars for a General in the War Finance Committee's "Blue Star Brigade." In 1945, the War Finance Committee for New York challenged citizens of the state to a contest for selling the most war bonds, with the prize being a four-star insigne worn by General Eisenhower. The winner of contest—with sales of bonds to 2,515 individuals during the Sixth War Loan—was 43-year-old Ruth Karp of Brooklyn. According to an article in the Brooklyn Eagle, February 25, 1945, Mrs. Karp graciously credited her husband's support for allowing her sufficient time for her bond sales, but Jim Karp was equally grateful to his wife for assisting him with his duties as chairman of the Bushwick Avenue Civilian Defense Volunteer Office.

For her achievement, Mrs. Karp was commissioned State General in the Blue Star Brigade and presented with Ike's four-star insigne as well as letters from Eisenhower and his wife. Since he could not have known who the winner of the contest would be, Ike's letter is addressed "To An American Citizen":

"I understand that you will come into possession of the insignia attached to this letter by reason of your top sale of binds in the Sixth War Loan Drive. I have worn this set of insignia frequently during both the Mediterranean and European campaigns. I am delighted to send it, as a token of appreciation, to an American citizen, who is supporting the war effort through liberal purchase of bonds.

"American fighting men, all over the world, are obviously entitled to the maximum in moral and material support from the homeland and I know I can speak for the American soldiers, sailors and airman in this theater in thanking you for so clearly showing, through your purchase of bonds, that you are giving them this kind od support." Mrs. Eisenhower's letter elaborates: "When he set you his insigne to be presented to the State General chosen from the highest ranking Blue State Brigade Generals, I am sure my husband was expressing his deep appreciation of the patriotic service being rendered by all these men and women. He has the best of reasons to know the vital importance of continued maximum sales of War Bonds. On them depends in large measure his ability to drive hard against the enemy, particularly at this time when so much is needed to press home the advantage we have won at great cost in lives, arms and equipment."