"THE HANDSOMEST MAN IN THE CORPS… DARE DEVIL DWIGHT": WEST POINT CLASS OF 1915 YEARBOOK, SIGNED BY DWIGHT EISENHOWER AT HIS ENTRY

EISENHOWER, Dwight D. The Howitzer: The Year Book of the United States Corps of Cadets. Edited by the 1st Class 1915. (New York: Blanchard Press), 1915. Quarto, original padded calf respined, lettered in gilt. Housed in a custom chemise and clamshell box. $12,800.

First edition of the West Point yearbook for 1915, boldly inscribed by Eisenhower in the top margin of his full-page entry and photograph: "For Milton Baker, with warm regard, Dwight D. Eisenhower." This copy specially bound for, and from the collection of, the recipient General Milton Baker, founder of Valley Forge Military Academy.

The West Point class of 1915 produced two of the great generals of the modern era: Omar Bradley and Dwight Eisenhower. Bradley and Eisenhower played together on both the football and baseball teams. Eisenhower was considered "the most promising back in Eastern football," until injury relegated him to his new role as cheerleader. The author of Eisenhower's write-up in the yearbook teasingly imagines him "leading us in a long, loud yell for—Dare Devil Dwight, the Dauntless Don." The recipient, General Milton Baker, was best known as the founder of the Valley Forge Military Academy. Baker began his military career as a private in the artillery in World War I. When Eisenhower was President, he twice offered Baker the position of Secretary of the Army, but Baker declined both times, due to his commitments to the Academy.

Interior generally clean, corners of covers expertly restored. A nicely refurbished copy, scarce and desirable inscribed by Eisenhower.