Howard Koslow (1924 - 2016) "Dwight Eisenhower" Signed lower right. Original oil painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 25c Dwight David Eisenhower stamp issued October 13, 1990. While many of the men who achieve greatness and fame do so early in life, Dwight David Eisenhower's meteoric rise to worldwide recognition did not occur until he was into his fifties. After displaying brilliance in directing campaigns against German forces in North Africa and Sicily during the height of World War II, Eisenhower was selected to be the top commander of all Allied troops in Europe in January 1944. In early June of that year under his bold, yet careful command, the Allied troops stormed the beaches at Normandy on D-Day, catching the German troops by complete surprise. Then, as would a master chess player, Eisenhower made daring move after daring move to direct the troops across France and liberated Paris on August 25, 1944. His Allied armies fought bravely through a long European winter, crossing the Rhine River in the spring of 1945. Finally, on May 7, 1945, Eisenhower accepted the unconditional surrender of Germany thanks in a large part to his even-handed and unifying command and leadership. "Ike" was at once the perfect choice to be a candidate for Presidency of the United States. Convinced to run as a Republican in 1952, he campaigned tirelessly across America, impressing the people with his honesty and sincerity. Elected by a landslide, first in 1952, then again in 1956, Eisenhower left the nation's highest office in 1961 as one of the most popular men in American history. Image Size: 14 x 12 in. Overall Size: 19.25 x 17 in. Unframed. (B12644)