1121

MATTHEW B. RIDGWAY T.L.S.

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MATTHEW B. RIDGWAY T.L.S.
<b>1121. MATTHEW B. RIDGWAY</b> (1895 - 1994) American Army general who led airborne assaults on Sicily and commanded U.N. forces in the Korean War. A great content T.L.S. "<i>M.B. Ridgway</i>" adding rank, 2pp. 4to., [n.p. n.d.] concerning the reasons why the Eighth Army was fighting in the Korean War, in part: "<i>...During my first few weeks in Korea it seemed to me two questions were uppermost in the minds of the members of the Eighth Army...the first question. `Why are we here?'...we are here because of the decisions of the properly constituted authorities of our respective governments...the loyalty we give, and expect, precludes any slightest questioning of these orders...the second question is of much greater significance...it is not the question of this or that Korean town or village. Real estate...is incidental....the real issues are whether the power of Western civilization...[is] to flower in our own lands...whether we are to survive with God's hand to guide and lead us or to perish in...a Godless world...the issue now joined right here in Korea is whether Communism or individual freedom shall prevail; whether the flight of fear-driven people we have witnessed here shall be checked, or shall at some future time, however distant, engulf our own loved ones in all its misery and despair...</i>". Most likely written during the height of the Cold War to an unknown recipient, Ridgway's firm response as to military policy leaves no question about his views on communism. Some very slight toning , else near fine.<b> $100-200</b>