LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 Apr Books, Manuscripts & Autographs #658  / 

25275

Matthew Ridgeway 82nd Division Signed Manuscript

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:50.00 USD Estimated At:200.00 - 300.00 USD
Matthew Ridgeway 82nd Division Signed Manuscript
<B>General Matthew B. Ridgeway, WWII Commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, Typed Manuscript Signed</B></I> " <I>M.B. Ridgeway</B></I>". Eight typed pages, 8.5" x 11", August 7, 1975. A wonderful content letter in which Ridgeway gives his personal account of events surrounding the ill-conceived airborne drop known as Operation Giant II. The original plan called for Ridgeway's 82nd Airborne to be dropped near Rome and rely upon Italian troops to switch sides and fight with American forces against the Germans. Ridgeway describes his travails in convincing higher-ups to abort the plan. The operation was stopped at the very last minute- even as the aircraft were loaded with Ridgeway's men and preparing for take off. Ridgeway writes in part: "…I truly believed the plan would result in the sacrifice of my division…" and describes his part in convincing his superiors to abort the mission thusly: "…the source of most humble pride to me will not be accomplishments in battle, but the fact that I was guided to make the decision to oppose this thing…" Matthew Ridgeway, (1895-1993) in addition to being commander of the 82nd Airborne Division in WWII, had a distinguished post-war career culminating as President Eisenhower's Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army. This is an important historical document for students of World War II history. The document is in fine condition with a staple in the upper left corner.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Small Flat (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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