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Not many U.S. presidents have been particularly artistic in terms of the fine arts, so the occasional evidence of such skill is of notable historic significance. One such President was Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was an avid painter of rather above-average skill. Of major interest is the discovery of, and acquisition of, an important historical oil painting by Dwight Eisenhower. This important painting (approximately 14″ X 18″) was accomplished by the former President just a few years after World War II had ended. The General presented this important artistic effort to his longtime Valet, Sgt. John Moaney. Not surprisingly, the General made a conscious effort to depict, via this original oil rendition, his own chosen World War II headquarters – “Telegraph Cottage” – located just 15 miles south of London, England.
The cottage was the Official location at which Eisenhower chose to live and work as he commanded the European Theater throughout World War II. This effort culminated in Germany’s eventual surrender on May 7,1945. Coincidentally, the German’s surrendered on the birthday of the Commander in Chief – Harry S Truman.
Ike presented this important historical oil painting to his long-time valet Sargent Moaney, not only signing the front with “DE”, but also writing, in part, on the verso, “For Sgt. Moaney – I helped plan both Torch 1942, (the Invasion of North Africa) and Overlord 1945 (D-Day) – Telegraph Cottage – 15 miles South of London- DDE”.
Years later Eisenhower authored a book entitled “At Ease – Stories I like to tell Friends”, in which he describes Sargent John Moaney as ‘a man indispensable to me throughout my life’. Later on Ike also remembered Moaney by name in his own last will and testament. Sargent Moaney had first met the General in early 1942 in England. He was chosen by Ike to serve as his personal valet. They both lived together within Telegraph Cottage throughout World War II. Moaney was with Ike daily from 1942 until The President’s death in 1969; and Moaney was present at Walter Reed Hospital when Eisenhower breathed his last.
Sgt. Moaney married Delores Moaney in 1945. Delores was The Eisenhower Family Cook for many years…serving at both The White House and for many years later, at Gettysburg Farm. In fact both Sgt. John Moaney and Delores Moaney lived within their Gettysburg Farm Home – (Eisenhower’s choice of permanent retirement) with Mamie Doud Eisenhower, long after The President had passed away.
Over a quarter-century ago both John and Delores Moaney graciously presented this important Eisenhower oil painting of Telegraph Cottage to a private collector in the United States to add to his personal collection.
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