| Original Caption: “General Dwight Eisenhower is pictured at his desk in London before he led American forces in the opening of the North African offensive. The photo was taken shortly before his rank was elevated from Major General to Lieutenant General.” United States Army General Dwight D. Eisenhower (October 14, 1890 – March 28, 1969), Supreme Commander, Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF). Eisenhower transferred from command of the Mediterranean Theater of Operations to command SHAEF, which was formed in Camp Griffiss, Bushy Park, Teddington, London, from December 1943. He was promoted to General, Army of the United States (temporary) on February 11, 1943. Note 4 stars on epaulettes, his rank signifier. Eisenhower changed the ribbons on his uniform throughout his career. In this photo, he wears the following ribbons: Top row, left to right: United States Army Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster; presented to soldiers who have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to the government in a duty of great responsibility. Eisenhower would eventually be awarded 5 times. Legion of Merit; given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. Mexican Border Service Medal; awarded for service on the border between May 9, 1916, and March 24, 1917. Middle row, left to right: World War I Victory Medal; Award of a common allied service medal was recommended by an inter-allied committee in March 1919. American Defense Service Medal; intended to recognize those military service members who had served on active duty between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941. European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; intended to recognize those military service members who had performed military duty in the European Theater, including North Africa and the Middle East. Eisenhower has 4 campaign stars in this photo; he would eventually earn 7. Bottom row, left to right: Most Honourable Order of the Bath; Foreign generals are also often given honorary appointments to the Order, Eisenhower was invested on May 27, 1943. The Africa Star medal; awarded to British and Commonwealth forces who served in North Africa between June 10, 1940, and May 12, 1943, with 8th Army and 1st Army insignia. The Distinguished Service Star, 3rd highest military award of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. | |
| Image Filename | wwii0479.jpg |
| Image Size | 206.21 KB |
| Image Dimensions | 1333 x 2000 |
| Photographer | |
| Photographer Title | United States Army Signal Corps |
| Caption Author | Written or Adapted by Jason McDonald |
| Date Photographed | January 1, 1944 |
| Location | |
| City | London |
| State or Province | London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Archive | National Archives and Records Administration |
| Record Number | 64-65 |
| Status | Caption ©2026 MFA Productions LLC Please Do Not Duplicate or Distribute Without Permission; Image in the Public Domain |
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