Biographical Chart: Dwight D.

Eisenhower 
  
Full Name: Dwight David Eisenhower  
 
Lifespan: Born October 14, 1890 
 
● Early Family Background and Created Family Structure 
○ Born in Denison, Texas 
○ Parents: David Jacob Eisenhower and Ida Elizabeth Stover Eisenhower 
○ Third of his parents 7 kids (all boys) 
○ They lived in a tiny house near the railroad tracks while David cleaned train 
engines for a living.  
○ When he was 1 ½ years old, his family moved back to Abilene so David could 
take a better job at his brother in-law’s creamery.  
○ Dwight’s 10 month old brother died of diphtheria when he was 4.  
○  
 
● Education 
○ Graduated from high school in 1909 and joined his father and uncle at the Belle 
Springs Creamery and was also a fireman.  
○ Was going to go to Naval Academy but was too old so ended up going to West 
Point 
● One of the most famous graduating classes.  
■ One of the winners of the entrance exam for Naval Academy 
 
● Personality Characteristics and Areas of Aptitude, Talent, and Interest 
○ Always a star on the football field  
○ Qualities of love, honesty, faithfulness, responsibility, generosity, leadership 
and ​hatred of war.  
○ Because of his parents making him do chores, read the bible and study, 
Eisenhower had good control his emotions and temper.  
○ He watched his language, especially around women. 
○ Good manners, always looked professional 
○ He was successful because he was true to his character.  
 
● Major Career/Professional Events and Accomplishments 
○ In 1911, he landed and appointment at the United States Military Academy in 
West Point, New York. 
○ Forced to quit football because of a series of knee injuries.  
 ○ In 1915, he graduated from West Point and was commissioned as a second 
lieutenant.  
○ Stationed in Texas and met his wife, Mamie Geneva Doud.  
■ He was promoted to first lieutenant on his wedding day 
○ During WWI, he was appointed to run a tank training center at Camo Cold.  
○ He was promoted to major after volunteering for the Tank Corps.  
○ His son Doud died of scarlet fever at age 3.  
○ Took role of Executive Officer in the Panama Canal Zone after his second son 
was born.  
○ Commanded the Allied forces in the Normandy invasion.  
○ Promoted to 5 star rank. 
○ Made military governor 
○ Ran for president of the United States 
■ Won by a landslide  
○ Reelected to a second term 
■ Created U.S Information Agency 
■ Established Hawaii and Alaska as states 
■ Permanent Civil Rights Commission 
 
● Personal Life Themes/Beliefs 
○ His speech, “Atoms for peace” promoted applying atomic energy to peaceful 
uses, rather than using it for weaponry and warfare.  
○ Stayed close to his “farm boy” roots but still acted professional and 
appropriately.  
○ He used manners and hated swearing around women.  
○ *He hated war* 
○ Wanted to protect blacks right to vote 
○ He was Christian aka Presbyterian.  
● Selected Quotations 
○ “Motivation is the art of getting people to do what you want them to do 
because they want to do it” 
○ “A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both.” 
○ “You don’t lead by hitting people over the head-that's assault, not 
leadership.”   
 
● Awards and Recognition 
○ Distinguished Service Medal 
○ Legion of Merit 
○ Distinguished Service Medal 
 ○ Hoover Medal 
 
● Death and Aftermath 
○ Retired to a farmhouse in Gettysburg 
○ Died on March 28,1969 after suffering from heart-related illness.  
○ Military funeral was held in his honor.  
 
● Lasting Impact and Contributions 
○ Even though he didn’t achieve the peace he wanted, Eisenhower still avoided 
war.  
○ He left his successors a Cold War and he was unable to secure a test-ban 
treaty which he was hoping would be a part of his legacy.  
○ He had short term success but ended with long term instability.