Dwight D. Eisenhower

'I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can.'

Acclaimed for his leadership during the Second World War, a long time criticised before being praised by his compatriots for the seven years he spent at the White House, Dwight David Eisenhower is among the major figures of 20th century history. Behind his eternal smile and his affable air, the man was far more complex than one might imagine. This upright, respectful and ambitious Abilene- born boy became a remarkable leader, successfully federating the Allied armies and taking them towards victory on the European front. Elected President of the United States within a difficult context, Ike brought reassurance. He took courageous decisions on the home front and adopted an asserted foreign policy to thwart communism, in a constant aim to maintain peace.